Xbox confirms it won’t have a stand at EGX

Xbox will not be attending this year’s Eurogamer Expo, it has been announced, with first-party presence for the firm not a priority. Instead the focus will be on third-party publishers and developers, with Microsoft supporting those at EGX with showing off their Xbox One titles.

The announcement arrived mere days before the Birmingham event, which will take place from September 20 to 23 at the city’s NEC convention halls. A tweet sent out by Xbox UK brand and social lead Samuel Bateman explained the decision, stating:

“Fans asking about #EGX2018 – This year we’re focusing on supporting our publisher/developer partners. We’re doing this by providing the ability to play some of the biggest titles on Xbox One X across the whole show (SOTTR, Metro Exodus, Assassins etc). Be sure to check them out.”

In the replies, Bateman went on to explain that, while the company understands the public’s frustration, it’s simply not possible to be at every event people request them to be at.

A spokesperson for Microsoft told us that although there’s is no booth, there will be numerous Xbox One X consoles for attendees to play upon across the show.

Sony, for its part, is attending EGX and bringing along a host of PS4 exclusives to show off to attendees like the recently released Spider-Man and Media Molecule’s upcoming Dreams. PlayStation will also be hosting third-party tiles for its console, such as FIFA 19 and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

The show has other signs of Microsoft’s presence, with a panel on Rare and Sea of Thieves to be held during the event. And for those wanting to play Forza Horizon 4 there’s currently a free demo available online.

Article updated 18/09 following feedback from Microsoft.