Join us for the Xbox Developer Direct

The show begins

And we’re off!

I think? Are we? Is it working?

Something is happening! There’s a hold screen that looks like it’s been made by a child. This is it.

Tick, tock. We’re nearly there. What do you think Microsoft will open with?

I was at an E3 once where it had Usher on stage. I suppose he at least doubles in purpose, in that he can also help clear people out at the end.

Sorry.

Rumour has it, of course, that the new Indy game is called Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which sounds like a rubbish name to me. But who knows?

I’m making the cardinal mistake of reading the YouTube comments on the official Xbox stream. There’s a lot of excitement out there for this new Indiana Jones game, isn’t there? I am very curious to see what it looks like myself.

I feel like Hellblade 2 is more of a known quantity. But Avowed? That’s also very intriguing. Will it play like Skyrim or will Obsidian manage to make it feel quite different? There’s a lot more humour and charm running through its games – no shade, Bethesda!

SausageWhispers says: Aren’t we long overdue at least a tease of Gears 6

It does seem to have been a long time since we had a Gears. I was, coincidentally, watching the first Gears of War trailers the other day. What memories that brought back. I could scarcely believe a game looked that good at the time. I also remember playing lots of multiplayer with members of the Eurogamer forum. I can’t believe I just mentioned the forum. Way to derail the liveblog, Bertie.

Fin10g says: I definitely expect something to drop tonight. My out there prediction is that Double Fine have a double shadow drop with 2 games from Derek Brand and Lee Petty’s teams (I might be misremembering if they were working on the same team or not). With how much of a treat Hi-Fi Rush was I really hope the January shadow drop becomes a tradition, although I’m excited to see Avowed, Hellblade and Indy (as long it’s not starring Chris Pratt).

Hi-Fi Rush! Was that dropped at this equivalent Direct this time last year? Gosh. I feel like tonight’s running order is a lot more mapped out, though. Still, there could well be a surprise.

I forgot to embed the stream video in the article above. I shall do that now!

Kami says: As a crazy, wild, left-field and totally bonkers idea though for a surprise, here’s a thought; hey Spencey-boy, ever considered doing a new Asheron’s Call?

Oh my good god, I remember that game. I didn’t play it intensely like some other MMOs, but I certainaly played it.

Let’s goooo – oh it’s not started yet. How are you all doing?

Kami says: Soooo… odds on seeing literally anything about a new Fable? (Oh, also WET 2)

I had completely forgotten about Fable!

Also loving all the Heretic and Quake shouts in the comments – yes please!

TinyKaiju says: I’m guessing everyone talking about Outer Worlds and Fallout New Vegas skipped over the bit saying that Avowed is Obsidian’s first first-person RPG _set in the Pillar’s of Eternity world_.

Haha, you are all quite right! What a plonker I am.

What are you hoping to see, then? I’m really hoping Indiana Jones lives up to MachineGames’ reputation. It could be brilliant. And as you probably know, I’m a sucker for Obsidian and Pillars of Eternity, although I’m curious about how a first-person RPG in that world will work. I can’t think of another first-person RPG Obsidian has done.