Xbox E3 announcement event sees new console teased and huge number of games unveiled

Halo Infinite and a new Gears of War are coming

Phil Spencer, Executive President of Gaming at Microsoft addresses the audience at the Xbox 2018 E3 briefing in Los Angeles, California on June 10, 2018 ahead of the 24th Electronic Entertainment Expo which opens on June 12 (Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)

Xbox has unveiled a huge range of games coming to its platform this year – and a new Xbox that is in the works.

Microsoft's Xbox boss Phil Spencer said this year was shaping up to be its biggest ever. It showed off an unprecedented number of games: 50 in total, including new updates to the Halo and Gears of War series.

The company also gave intriguing hints about the future of the Xbox in general, including an entirely new console and a streaming service for games.

Mr Spencer said the list of new games was the company's "most diverse gaming portfolio ever".

"There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the gaming industry, with creators large and small showcasing incredible new games for the more than two billion players around the world," the head of gaming at Xbox maker Microsoft said.

"At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering gamers to play the games they want, with the people they want, where they want."

Xbox's event featured 18 exclusive games and 15 world premieres, including a first look at the brand new Fallout game, Fallout 76.

Mr Spencer also confirmed that the next generation Xbox console was in development, but gave no details on the future device.

Industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls, from IHS Markit, said Xbox's showcase was important in its battle with rival Sony and its PlayStation console.

"Microsoft ended March 2018 with an Xbox One installed base of 39.1 million compared to 76.6 million for Sony's PS4," he said.

"While Xbox One X has sold well, Microsoft needed its E3 showcase to deliver on first-party studio output and its platform exclusives to reap the marketing benefits of the technical and power advantages of Xbox One X over the PS4 Pro.

"The showcase did not disappoint, with a total of 18 exclusives revealed and on show, and the return of many fan favourites including Halo.

"Based on this showing and other third-party announcements, it looks like early 2019 is going to be very crowded for game releases."

The gaming announcements continue on Monday, when Sony will hold its own showcase event before the convention doors open to around 60,000 E3 attendees on Tuesday.

Additional reporting by agencies