Phil Spencer teases Microsoft E3 plans: New IP, first party focus & PC cross-play

Xbox boss Phil Spencer has been teasing Microsoft's plans for E3 on Twitter, promising fans a greater focus on first-party titles, a new IP, more gameplay trailers than CGI ones and the inclusion of new details regarding Windows 10 and cross-play between Xbox One and PC.

Spencer answered a ton of fan questions online, revealing that firmer plans for E3 will be made this week and that today (20 April) he and his team will be sitting down to look at the games they could show, and decide what will be making the cut for the Los Angeles showcase.

"We should have new exclusive IP at E3. I'm trying to make this E3 more about first-party than past E3s," he told one fan, adding to another: "I think it might be our best first-party content year ever."

Asked about the prospect of the next Gears of War - known to be in development at Black Tusk Studios, and widely expected to appear during the E3 press conference - coming to PC, Spencer said: "No comment."

One fan asked about Gamescom – the world's biggest consumer video game convention held in Cologne, Germany – and whether any announcements would be saved for that event. "With these two [events] only five weeks apart this year we are planning both at the same time," Spencer said. Not a definitive answer but a likely yes.

Despite his focus on the first-party line-up for Xbox One he did state that they will also have third-party deals but that for him it is "important to focus on and support our first party".

E3 will take place during the 16-18 June.