13 Biggest Things We Learned From E3 2018's Press Conferences

As per usual for the world's grandest gaming show, E3 2018 has given players an extensive look at many of the biggest games set to hit shelves in the near(ish) future. From Smash Bros to Cyberpunk, this year's show has been one for the ages, providing a host of surprise announcements, first looks at hugely anticipated games and a lot of speculation about how soon we can expect the next generation of consoles.

However, as is often true with E3 conferences, it's also given us a more revealing insight into the strategies and approaches being drafted by the biggest studios in the industry.

Whether through first-ever glimpses of gameplay, stunning cinematic trailers or even lacklustre showings from eagerly-awaited titles, it's true the show has left us with a lot to digest when it comes to the industry's future.

The next generation is on our doorstep, and as is evident in the presentations of Sony, Microsoft and their third-party comrades, there's a significant amount of groundwork being laid to make sure the upcoming venture is a smooth one.

So, as we close the book on another E3, let's look over all we've learned at the most prestigious event on the gaming calendar.

It's no secret that Xbox hasn't been having the best time this generation. The console stumbled over the starting line and has never really recovered since.

However, each and every E3 the fans still hope that the green-brand will bounce back with a wealth of exclusive content. Luckily for players, it seems Microsoft finally began their ascent back to the top in their conference this year.

Sure, Phil Spencer didn't walk out, plant a triumphant green flag and begin throwing out copies of a brand-new Crimson Skies to the audience, but the purchase of over five new studios and a host of crowd-pleasing third-party titles cemented a promise that Xbox is committed to being back on top. One thing is for sure though, that comeback is definitely not on the cards for this generation.

Much of what Spencer addressed within Xbox's stellar E3 showcase seems to sow the seeds for games much further down the line, studios such as Playground Games, Ninja Theory and The Initiative all needing time to work on big projects for Microsoft's future line-up.

Whilst Xbox is showing that they're bracing themselves for a glorious future, it may cost them slumping out of this generation in a similar manner to how they came into it.