Gibson: Tribute To Rock 'N' Roll Dads [Video Included]

Cliff Burton. Photo Credit: Harald Oimoen, from the book "Murder in the Front Row: Shots from the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter."

Earlier this week, one of the most famous rock 'n' roll fathers Ray Burton, father of the late Metallica bassist Cliff Burton, sat down with Mark Agnesi, Gibson's Director of Brand Experience to reminisce about the formative years of the rock icon. 

Scroll down to the end of this post to watch the clip as Ray delves into Cliff's musical history and what it means to be the Dad of a kid who shows interest in pursuing a music career...

Burton's interest in music began at a young age when his father introduced him to classical music, guitar and bass. Burton had a strong interest in rock, classical and eventually heavy metal. 

Burton began playing the bass at age 13, following the death of his older brother, Scott and practiced up to six hours per day (even after he joined Metallica). 

Along with classical and jazz, Burton's other early influences varied from southern rock, country and the blues. Burton often cited Geddy Lee, Geezer Butler, Stanley Clarke, Lemmy Kilmister, Ed King and Phil Lynott as key influences on his style of bass playing.

"Cliff knew what he wanted to do and went out and did it," says Ray Burton. "How could you not support a child who has that initiative already in their system and wanting to learn an occupation like that? The way he pursued music and the enthusiasm he showed toward the playing, we thought, 'well, let's see what happens.' Then when he came and said, 'Can you support me for five years?' not long after that, it was absolute history."

Burton's advice to fathers and artists, "It's a love affair with my child because he wasn't just a good musician, he was an exceptionable human being. There's so much great music out there, and it's to be enjoyed. …Support them. Look at your kids as a treasure that you treat with love. Encourage them as much as you can and help them. Encourage them without being demanding. Allow them to be themselves and be kind to them."

Metallica. Photo Credit: Harald Oimoen, from the book "Murder in the Front Row: Shots from the Bay Area Thrash Metal Epicenter."

Burton joined Metallica in 1982 and performed on the band's first three studio albums: Kill 'Em All, Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. He also received a posthumous writing credit for the song "To Live Is to Die" from the band's fourth studio album, ...And Justice for All and was inducted into the Rock the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Metallica on April 4, 2009.

"Words can't describe how grateful I am that Ray received our own Mark Agnesi to talk about Cliff," said Cesar Gueikian, Chief Merchant Officer. "First and foremost, Happy Father's Day, Ray, Cliff will forever be a source of inspiration to all of us Rock 'n' Roll dads. I am particularly honored because the Cliff Metallica era had a dramatic influence on me, motivating me to learn how to play guitar from the moment I discovered the Master of Puppets album," adds Gueikian. "And a big thank you to Metallica for allowing us to use their footage and music to pay tribute to Cliff."

"Being a father myself, it was an incredible opportunity to sit down with and get insights from another father who not only raised a musical icon, but one of my childhood heroes," adds Mark Agnesi.

The Video:

SOURCE: Gibson

The Royal Canadian Geographical Society Partners with The Anthropocene Project on Canada-Wide Education Program Detailing the Extent of Human Impact on the Planet

Exploring the lifecycle of plastics by Edward Burtynsky on location at a Toronto transfer station shooting for The Anthropocene Education Program, May 2019 (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

This fall, The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) will bring a unique bilingual education program to teachers across Canada in partnership with The Anthropocene Project from award-winning artists Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal. 

• The education program, to be released in conjunction with Geography Awareness Week in November 2019, will be focused on exploring the extent of human dependency on plastics within Canada.

The Anthropocene Project was met with great success with the launch of two complementary museum exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa, and a full-length documentary film in September 2018. 

Dandora landfill#3 plastics recycling, Nairobi Kenya 2016. Photo by Edward Burtynsky, courtesy Nicholas Metivier Gallery, Toronto (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

The new Anthropocene Education Program (AEP) will include incredible 360 VR films; educational short films by Baichwal and de Pencier depicting large scale anthropogenic activity; online, interactive gigapixel photographs; a brand new AR experience; and a large-scale high-resolution Giant Floor Mural depicting one of Burtynsky's photographs with related film extensions (part of a travelling school kit), all of which will augment specific teacher guides and lesson plans. All educational materials part of the AEP will be written by qualified Canadian Geographic Education (Can Geo Education) teachers and linked to the Canadian National Learning Framework for K-12 Geography.

Exploring the lifecycle of plastics by NIcholas de Pencier on location at a Toronto transfer station shooting for The Anthropocene Education Program, May 2019 (CNW Group/Royal Canadian Geographical Society)

Additionally, the AEP will consist of travelling educational kits that will be made available free-of-charge to Canadian schools for a three week loan period. For schools without immediate access to these kits across the country, online resources will be available for free, accessible through download and streaming from the Can Geo Education and The Anthropocene Project websites.

The program will leverage these stunning audiovisual resources, and the proven expertise and distribution networks of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society to expand The Anthropocene Project's reach. In turn, this will create a powerful and change-provoking experiential understanding of human impact on the planet for students in classrooms from coast to coast, in grades 4 to 12 (ages 9 to 18). The project will reach more than 22,000 classroom teachers from across the country through the RCGS's educational arm, Can Geo Education.

"The Anthropocene Project is an exciting opportunity for the Society to collaborate with some of Canada's leading artists to influence how the next generation of Canadians thinks about their relationship with the environment, especially when it comes to an understanding of human impact on the planet," says John Geiger, CEO of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society. "Stunning AV resources along with immersive learning tools will help students deepen their understanding of how today's lifestyle of convenience may be having an irreparable impact on our planet."

"After witnessing the strong engagement by students with the documentary film and the museum exhibitions, we are very excited that the five years of research and production that formed The Anthropocene Project will now be available to students and teachers alike as part of school curricula. We are honoured to extend the collaboration that started with the scientists of the Anthropocene Working Group to the incredible educational experts at the RCGS and to educators across the country," Nicholas de Pencier, Edward Burtynsky and Jennifer Baichwal.

Beyond the subject of plastics, the AEP will also look to expand the teacher discussion guides to other key tenets of the Anthropocene investigation (deforestation, anthroturbation, extinction, etc), and will include a national school contest that challenges students to creatively interpret the themes of the Anthropocene in their own communities.

"Last month, the UN released a report that showed nearly a million species are at risk of extinction due to human impact on the planet. Over the last three and a half years, Canada has taken action to double the amount of our protected nature, beat plastic pollution, and fight climate change. I'm so glad that this project is educating and engaging more young people in such an important conversation that Canada is having right now. It's young peoples' future that is at stake—we must all recognize that we don't pass the earth on to the next generation when we're done with it, instead we are borrowing it from them." Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

The AEP will offer a window into the scale of human impact as it explores plastic proliferation around the world, with an aim to provide students with an experiential science-based education about the cycles of extraction, consumption and waste that humans participate in.

• The Anthropocene Education Program was undertaken with the financial support of the Government of Canada through the federal Department of Environment and Climate Change and RBC Foundation and produced with the participation of TELUS Fund.

SOURCE: Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Leonard Cohen Lights Up Montreal's Nights

Tower of Songs, the mural commemorating Montreal icon Leonard Cohen (image via MU)

The mural paying homage to Montreal icon Leonard Cohen will now cast its benevolent gaze over the city at night. In response to public demand to have the monumental artwork lit up, the charitable organization MU has secured permanent lighting for the mural with support from the Ville-Marie borough and Tourisme Montréal. 

Project partners and collaborators were gathered this evening at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in presence of Montreal Mayor, Valérie Plante; President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal, Mr. Yves Lalumière; and representatives of the Cohen family to celebrate this defining moment for Montreal.

Tower of Songs, MU's 100th mural, was completed by artists El Mac and Gene Pendon in 2017. It was unveiled during the week of events commemorating the legendary artist's death and is part of the cultural legacies left by Montreal's 375th anniversary.

"Our administration is pleased to contribute to illuminating this mural commemorating the great Montréal poet whose work has brightened millions of lives all over the world. From now on, the memory of Leonard Cohen will shine in the heart of downtown Montréal in both the literal and figurative sense" said Valérie Plante, Mayor of Montreal.

The 21-storey portrait of Leonard Cohen is Montreal's largest mural and has become a signature landmark in the city. It has contributed to Montreal's international renown and has affirmed the city's standing in the urban art scene. Tourisme Montréal acknowledged the artwork's major impact by awarding MU the Innovation Award, for companies with less than 50 employees, during the Distinction Awards ceremony held last March.

"Leonard Cohen is a Montréal legend. The Tower of Songs mural was created in honour of his legacy and quickly became a key feature in our urban landscape. This year, as Tourisme Montréal celebrates its 100th anniversary, we are offering permanent lighting for the mural as a gift to Montrealers and tourists alike," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "Founded in 1919, our organization is the rallying force behind the city's tourism ecosystem and plays a key role in defining tomorrow's tourism trends by supporting innovative initiatives that help Montréal shine on the world stage. We're confident that the new lighting will make our city brighter than ever."

The Tower of Songs mural is part of MU's "Montreal's Great Artists" collection, which pays tribute to the creative minds and forces who have made outstanding contributions to Montreal's cultural scene. It includes murals of Alanis Obomsawin, Michel Tremblay, Alys Robi, Janine Sutto, Oscar Peterson, Émile Nelligan, Dany Laferrière and Oliver Jones, among others. Beyond celebrating Montreal's cultural ambassadors, both past and present, the collection also contributes to the city's cultural legacy, providing Montrealers with opportunities to discover and connect with the history of their city and its neighbourhoods.

Earlier in 2019, MU won the 34th Grand Prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal, an important recognition within the city's cultural community. The award recognizes the expertise which the organisation has developed over the last 12 years, as well as its social inclusion work and its positive impact on the city's urban landscape.

About MU:

MU's is a charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to beautify the city of Montreal by creating murals that are anchored in communities. At the heart of its approach is the desire to see and experience art on a daily basis, to trigger a social transformation and to turn Montreal into an open-air MUseum. In 12 years, MU has produced more than 120 large-scale murals in 17 neighbourhoods of the city and over 300 community-youth murals. In 2019, the organization was awarded the 34th Grand Prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal in recognition of its social inclusion work and its murals, which have become true Montreal landmarks.

SOURCE: Ville de Montréal - Arrondissement de Ville-Marie

Related Video:

Related Story:

• Leonard Cohen: Une Brèche en Toute Chose / A Crack in Everything - Musée d'Art Contemporain de Montréal

Boris Johnson Supporters Want No-Deal Brexit and Less Talk of Climate Change – New Survey of Tory Party Members Reveals

Boris Johnson (EPA/Neil Hall)

By the end of July the UK will have a new prime minister. They will be chosen not by the electorate but by a group of around 160,000 members of the Conservative Party. This selectorate gets to choose between the two candidates who finish first and second in a series of votes held among Conservative MPs.

There has, perhaps not surprisingly, been a degree of disquiet expressed about this situation. Members of political parties are, generally speaking, more zealous than members of the public. Some argue that it might be better to leave the choice of the country’s PM up to MPs. They, at least, have a direct mandate from voters. And, since governments in parliamentary systems must retain the confidence of the legislature in order to stay in office, allowing MPs to choose would at least guarantee a chain of democratic accountability from executive to electorate. That is bypassed completely when party members alone make the decision.

Such concerns are surely all the more pressing because, as our research has already shown, grassroots Conservatives can hardly be said to be representative of the country as a whole, either demographically or ideologically. There are far more men among them than there are women; most of them live in the southern half of the country; they are generally pretty well-off; they are relatively old (although not quite as ancient as often suggested); they are very, very white; and they are also significantly more right wing than the average voter – whether we’re talking about their economic or social attitudes.

Our new analysis, however, using data from a recent survey of Conservative Party members that was kindly provided to us by Chris Curtis of YouGov, reveals something that is possibly even more worrying for critics of the process. The party members who support the clear front runner, Boris Johnson, are even more ideologically unrepresentative of British voters than are the bulk of their counterparts.

Indeed, compared to the kind of members drawn to the two contenders who, currently seem to stand the best chance of grabbing the crucial runner up spot – the environment secretary, Michael Gove, and the foreign secretary, Jeremy Hunt – Johnson’s supporters look anything but moderate.

While only around a quarter of the wider British public support leaving the EU without a Brexit deal, an amazing 85% of Johnson’s supporters within the party are keen on a no-deal departure.

Can’t wait for that no-deal feeling. (YouGov)

Some two thirds (66%) of the nearly 900 Conservative rank-and-file members who responded to the survey said the UK should leave without a deal, so Johnson supporters are extreme even by that standard. “Only” 37% of Hunt supporters would be happy with a no-deal Brexit.

Even Gove supporters are less enthusiastic about no-deal than Johnson supporters. Their man was a leading figure in the Leave campaign but only 52% of them want to leave without a deal.

Right-wing base

It’s clear that, when it comes to the 39% of the Conservative grassroots who are in Johnson’s camp, what the party’s critics would no doubt label their extremism isn’t just confined to Brexit.

Asked to locate themselves ideologically, some 42% of members overall said they were on the right – not just of British politics, but of the Conservative Party itself, making Gove’s supporters (39% of whom said the same) about average. Just 15% of Hunt’s grassroots supporters (who make up just 8% of the membership overall) located themselves in that space.

Tory Party members assess where they sit on the left/right spectrum. (YouGov)

Johnson’s supporters had no such problem: well over half of them (56%) said they belonged on the right wing of their party, with about the same proportion (58%) of them styling themselves as “fairly or very right wing”.

The impression that Johnson’s supporters are very much a sub-set of a sub-set is only reinforced when we dig into the specifics.

For instance, Tory members in general are more inclined than the general public to want to cut tax and spending, so it comes as no surprise that 34% of them supported that option – one that only around a fifth of voters right now would go for. But those members backing Johnson, 40% of whom supported cuts, were twice as enthusiastic about them as those backing Gove (20.5%) and Hunt (22%). This may well solve the mystery of why Johnson’s only big domestic policy so far has been his promise to cut taxes – the front runner is mobilising his base.

Johnson’s base is also relatively socially-conservative. A majority (although, at 59%, hardly an overwhelming majority) of Tory members think that David Cameron’s government was right to allow same sex marriage. Those supporting Gove – who has always been seen as socially-liberal and will be seen as even more so after recent revelations about his cocaine use – are slightly more likely (at 63%) than most members to agree. Supporters of Johnson and Hunt are slightly less likely (at 54% and 55%) to do so.

However, it’s probably climate change where we see the most striking attitudinal differences between those who support Johnson and those who support the others. Rather worryingly for those who regard the issue as a priority, one in five Tory rank-and-file members would like to see less emphasis on climate change. But that rises to one in four among Johnson supporters. Just under one in ten Gove supporters feels the same way, and just over one in ten Hunt supporters.

A worrying finding about climate change. (YouGov)

Why the difference?

Why that might be – and why Johnson’s supporters seem to be so generally right wing as well as so keen on a no-deal Brexit – can perhaps be explained, not by demographics (supporters of all three candidates actually look pretty similar in that respect), but by looking at when the members who responded to the survey said they’d joined the party.

Boris Johnson addresses members at party conference in 2018. (PA)

Nearly half (44.5%) of all the members surveyed said they’d become party members sometime after the 2016 referendum. Hunt’s backers, 41% of whom had done the same, are therefore about average. In contrast, only a third (34%) of Gove’s grassroots backers joined the party after the referendum. That suggests he draws a slightly bigger proportion of his support from those who have stuck by the party through thick and thin. Over half of those rank-and-file Tory members who are backing Johnson, however, joined the party after the EU referendum three years ago.

Signs of a UKIP influx? (YouGov)

We can only guess as to how many of Johnson’s supporters were former UKIP sympathisers switching to the Tories; but it certainly seems possible. And, who knows, given that one doesn’t have to renounce one’s membership of the Conservative Party to become a registered supporter of the Brexit Party, perhaps some of them hold a candle for Nigel Farage as well as Johnson.

Whether the country will be as pleased as they will be if Johnson does end up making it all the way to Number 10, however, remains to be seen.

About Today's Contributors:

Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London and Paul Webb, Professor of Politics, University of Sussex

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Bonus Pictures:

(Images via The Brexit Comic Facebook Page)

Boris Johnson launches his Tory Leadership Contest campaign with a new bus...

Mr Trump enjoyed hanging out with his British chums in the Traitor’s Gate spa during his UK visit

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Brie Larson Leads ACE Comic Con's Return to the Midwest at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont, Illinois)

ACE Comic Con Midwest 2019 Announcement

ACE Comic Con will return to the Midwest this fall following an incredible year for film, TV, comic book and entertainment fans everywhere! Brie Larson (Captain Marvel) will headline ACE Comic Con Midwest at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., on Oct. 11-12-13, 2019.

ACE Comic Con Midwest will also feature 60+ world-renowned comic book writers & artists, including Andy Park, Marvel Studio's Director of Visual Development & Concept Art and artist Billy Martin, 125+ hand-picked vendors & exhibitors and three full days of live panel programming, children's activities and free activations including PlayStation's Road to Greatness.

• VIP Admissions, Photo Ops, Autographs, and General Admission tickets will be available soon, with a portion of Brie Larson ticket sales benefitting Girls Inc. of Chicago, a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.

"We are bringing superhero fans around the world the greatest lineups wherever we go," says Stephen Shamus, ACE Universe President. "Brie helps represent the largest franchise in film history, with Avengers already generating over $2 billion at the box office and over $1 billion for Captain Marvel. ACE Comic Con is unmatched and unrivaled in its ability to bring out the biggest stars from the most popular franchises, solidifying itself as the number one show in the Midwest region."

"It feels like our lives have come full circle at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a venue that holds a special place in our hearts. We started here in 1997, building the Comic Con and fan community, and are proud to bring an event the city of Chicago deserves," says Gareb Shamus, ACE Universe CEO. "The Stephens family has been so gracious to us for so many years, and we are excited to work with them again on giving superhero fans another extraordinary weekend filled with award winning actors, writers, illustrators, and so much more! This will truly be a once in a lifetime experience!"

ACE Comic Con Midwest at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is the next installment of the already world-famous ACE Universe brand. ACE's second trip to the Midwest follows unforgettable weekends at ACE Comic Con Seattle, ACE Comic Con Arizona and ACE Comic Con Long Island, featuring global icons such as Chris Evans (Captain America), Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman), Henry Cavill (Superman), Tom Holland (Spider-Man), Jason Momoa (Aquaman), Stan Lee (Marvel), and many more. 

ACE Comic Con Seattle 2019 Teaser:

SOURCE: ACE Universe

ACE Comic Con Related Stories:

• Chris Evans (Captain America), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) Will Headline ACE Comic Con Seattle
• Spider-Man Co-Creator Stan Lee Added To Star-Studded Lineup Of ACE Comic Con Arizona
• Chris Evans, Tom Holland And Casts Of "Captain America", "Spider-Man: Homecoming" To Headline New ACE Comic Con At Gila River Arena

Captain Marvel - Poster

Captain Marvel Related Sories:

• ASCAP Screen Music Awards 2019 to Honor Film Composer Michael Giacchino, Captain Marvel Composer Pinar Toprak and Stage & Screen Songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul
• Marvel Music And Hollywood Records Present Marvel Studios' Captain Marvel Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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• Higher, Further, Faster: Marvel's First Female Cinematic Superhero
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Xbox Showcases 60 Anticipated Games, Including 34 to Premiere in Xbox Game Pass

Keanu Reeves, Cyberpunk 2077 Actor, unveils the release date at the Xbox E3 2019 Briefing at the Microsoft Theater at L.A. Live, Sunday, June 9, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Casey Rodgers/Invision for Xbox/AP Images)

Xbox showcased a blockbuster lineup of 60 anticipated games for both console and PC in its Xbox E3 Briefing and shared a glimpse of the future with Project Scarlett, which launches alongside "Halo Infinite" in 2020. 

Halo Infinite 

Headlined by the biggest game of 2019, "Gears 5," along with 34 games premiering in Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox E3 Briefing delivered 11 world premieres and a record 14 games from Xbox Game Studios, which will soon include legendary game development studio Double Fine Productions.

"It's great to celebrate with our incredible fans and show how we are delivering against our vision to empower gamers to play the games they want, with the friends they want, wherever they want," said Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox. "With thousands of Xbox games in development, we curated our show around our players, with new titles premiering in Xbox Game Pass across console and PC, and game streaming that enables them to play their favorite games, with their friends, wherever they go."

THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER GREAT GAMES ON CONSOLE AND PC

PC gamers around the world can now join the Xbox Game Pass for PC beta through the new Xbox app, which is available today on Windows 10. Xbox Game Pass for PC is designed specifically for PC gamers with a curated library of over 100 high-quality PC games from over 75 developers and publishers including fan-favorite PC titles like "Football Manager 2019," "Imperator: Rome" and "Metro Exodus."

• Xbox also announced the launch of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a new plan combining the curated games library for console and PC with Xbox Live Gold.

In addition, Xbox announced a variety of new blockbuster games that are available with Xbox Game Pass for Console starting today, including "Metro Exodus," "Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition," "Borderlands: The Handsome Collection" and "Batman: Arkham Knight."

XGP Batman Arkham Knight

The Xbox E3 Briefing also showcased new Xbox Game Studios titles that will premiere in Xbox Game Pass, including "Gears 5," "Battletoads," "Bleeding Edge," "The Outer Worlds," "Ori and the Will of the Wisps," and 25 games from the ID@Xbox program.

WELCOMING DOUBLE FINE PRODUCTIONS TO XBOX GAME STUDIOS

Xbox announced today the intent to acquire legendary game development studio Double Fine Productions, which will bring the total number of development studios under Xbox Game Studios to 15. Led by industry veteran Tim Schafer, the addition of this boundlessly creative studio will reinforce the Xbox team's commitment to developing original content with memorable characters and unexpected stories. Double Fine showcased the long-awaited "Psychonauts 2" today on the Xbox E3 stage:

• "PSYCHONAUTS 2" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC, MAC, LINUX, PLAYSTATION 4). Razputin Aquato, trained acrobat and powerful young psychic, has realized his lifelong dream of joining the international psychic espionage organization known as the Psychonauts! But these psychic super spies are in trouble. Their leader hasn't been the same since he was kidnapped, and what's worse, there's a mole hiding in their headquarters. Raz must use his powers to stop the mole before they execute their secret plan—to bring the murderous psychic villain, Maligula, back from the dead! "Psychonauts 2" launches worldwide in 2020.

THE FUTURE OF CONSOLE GAMING

During its briefing, Xbox demonstrated its commitment to console gaming as a critical choice for players who want a device designed, built and optimized for gaming.

Project Scarlett will set a new bar for console power, speed, and performance, arriving Holiday 2020 alongside "Halo Infinite." With a custom-designed AMD processor, high bandwidth GDDR6 memory, and a next-generation solid state drive (SSD), Project Scarlett will give developers the power they need to bring their creative visions to life. Thousands of games across four console generations will look and play best on Project Scarlett.

BRINGING XBOX TO THE CLOUD

In addition to delivering players the games they want, with the people they want, across console and PC, Xbox is also empowering people to play wherever they want by bringing Xbox to the cloud.

First, Xbox announced the ability to stream games from your Xbox One console, starting in preview this October. With console streaming, gamers will have access to their Xbox One game library and Xbox Game Pass titles on the go, streamed directly from an Xbox One console to a mobile device.

The Xbox E3 Briefing also marked a new milestone for "Project xCloud," with E3 2019 attendees being among the first in the world to play Xbox One games like "Halo 5: Guardians" and "Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" streaming on smartphones and tablets. With Project xCloud, Xbox is investing to ensure players have the choice and freedom to play the games they want, with the friends they want, how and where they want.

THE WORLD'S MOST ADVANCED CONTROLLER

In addition, Xbox unveiled the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Inspired by fan feedback, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is the world's most advanced controller, designed with the most passionate gamers in mind.

The Elite Series 2 is the second iteration of the fan-favorite Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and is re-engineered for ultimate performance, customization, and durability, and includes 30 new and improved features such as adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wraparound rubberized grip, shorter hair-trigger locks, and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life.

• The Elite Series 2 will launch in 24 markets on Nov. 4 for $179.99 USD/£159.99 GPB/€179.99 EUR and is available for preorder now.

THE SINGLE LARGEST SHOWCASE OF GAMES ON STAGE THIS YEAR

Xbox includes every player in its vision for gaming, which starts with unmissable content made for players wherever they are. With thousands of Xbox games in development, Xbox offered glimpses at 60 different games from all over the globe, including blockbusters like "Cyberpunk 2077," "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order," and "Elden Ring." 

Xbox fans were also invited to venture into the action-fueled world of "CrossfireX," coming first to console on Xbox One in 2020 with special content for Xbox Game Pass members, and into the blocky depths of "Minecraft Dungeons," coming to Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 4.

The Xbox E3 Briefing also marked a celebration of 37 PC games, including "Microsoft Flight Simulator" and "Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition," both of which will premiere in Xbox Game Pass for PC. 

Cyberpunk 2077

Fans also took their first steps into the next worlds being created by Xbox Game Studios, such as "Gears 5" and "Wasteland 3," and discovered the unexpected with 25 new and wild ID@Xbox titles.

• All forthcoming titles from Xbox Game Studios will premiere in Xbox Game Pass.

Games shown during the Xbox E3 Briefing include:

• "AGE OF EMPIRES: DEFINITIVE EDITION" (WINDOWS 10 PC). "Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition" celebrates the 20th anniversary of one of the most popular strategy games ever with stunning 4K Ultra HD graphics, a new and fully remastered soundtrack, and brand-new content, "The Last Khans," with three new campaigns and four new civilizations. Head online to challenge other players with 35 different civilizations in your quest for world domination throughout the ages. Choose your path to greatness with this definitive remaster to one of the most beloved strategy games of all time. "Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition" will be released this fall on Windows 10 PC, available on the Microsoft Store, Steam and Xbox Game Pass for PC.

• "BATTLETOADS" (XBOX ONE). "Battletoads" is back! Rare and Dlala Studios are bringing the beloved brawler to Xbox with a unique animation style, wild side-scrolling action and team-focused gameplay that's perfect for couch co-op. Players take control of Rash, Zitz and Pimple as they smash, stomp and slam their way through hordes of enemies and unleash choreographed chaos to defeat their greatest enemy yet. Fans can look forward to an all-new adventure packed with wild locations, unforgettable characters and surprising gameplay challenges, all with a huge emphasis on co-operative play.

• "BLAIR WITCH" (BLOOBER TEAM, XBOX GAME PASS). From the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed Layers of Fear, experience firsthand the toll that fear can take on the mind in an original story based on the legend of Blair Witch. The upcoming title is a first-person psychological horror game that studies your reactions to danger and stress. Your darkest fears will awaken on Aug. 30, 2019.

• "BLEEDING EDGE" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). As an all-new game from Ninja Theory, "Bleeding Edge" offers a one-of-a-kind experience that fuses third-person action combat with competitive online team gaming. The 4x4 team-fighter game provides a fast-paced yet strategic combat system that rewards technique, timing and teamwork in vibrant cyberpunk arenas. In "Bleeding Edge," each fighter can be modded to suit individual playstyles and exploit team synergies. The game is in development for Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Xbox Game Pass as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

• "BORDERLANDS 2: COMMANDER LILITH & THE FIGHT FOR SANCTUARY" (2K). Return to the award-winning shooter-looter "Borderlands 2" for an all-new campaign DLC that sets the stage for the upcoming "Borderlands 3." Battle new bosses, explore new areas, collect new loot, and join up with Lilith and the Crimson Raiders to take on a deranged villain hell-bent on ruling the planet. Instantly boost your level to jump right in or pursue a level cap increase to 80! Free to download until July 8 for all owners of "Borderlands: The Handsome Collection," which is now available with Xbox Game Pass.

• "BORDERLANDS 3" (2K). The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters — the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, collect loads of loot, and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.

• "CROSSFIREX" (FIRST TO CONSOLE ON XBOX ONE, XBOX GAME PASS). Crossfire, a free-to-play first-person shooter and one of the most-played PC games in the world with 650M players LTD, announced that it will come to console for the first time on Xbox One in 2020 as "CrossfireX," with all-new content for console players. Developed by the team at Smilegate Entertainment in Seoul, South Korea, Xbox players can look forward to a platform of rich experiences, including a single player campaign developed in partnership with Remedy Entertainment, battle royale, competitive multiplayer and unique content for Xbox Game Pass members.

• "CYBERPUNK 2077" (CD PROJEKT RED). An open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification. You play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality. You can customize your character's cyberware, skillset and playstyle, and explore a vast city where the choices you make shape the story and the world around you.

• "DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT" (BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.). Relive the story of Goku in "DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT!" Beyond the epic battles, experience life in the DRAGON BALL Z world as you fight, fish, eat and train with Goku. Explore the new areas and adventures as you advance through the story and form powerful bonds with other heroes from the DRAGON BALL Z universe.

• "DYING LIGHT 2" (TECHLAND). The last great human settlement exists within an unforgiving, zombie-infested world, plunged into the dark ages. During the day bandits, factions and starving survivors roam the streets scavenging for scraps — or someone to take them from. At night the infected roam free, evacuating their hideouts to prey on the living. Exceptional agility and brutal combat skills make you a powerful ally and a valuable commodity. You can achieve things no one else can. Enter places no one else dares. With your unique abilities you have the power to be an agent of change within this decaying metropolis.

• "ELDEN RING" (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.). Developed by FromSoftware Inc. and BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc., "ELDEN RING" is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki — creator of the influential "DARK SOULS" video game series; and George R.R. Martin — author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire." Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware's largest game to-date.

• "FORZA HORIZON 4" LEGO SPEED CHAMPIONS EXPANSION (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). "Forza Horizon 4" LEGO Speed Champions, the newest expansion for the award-winning "Forza Horizon 4," invites you to experience the ultimate LEGO Speed Champions fantasy brought to life at the Horizon Festival. Explore a LEGO-themed world, discover LEGO Brick Challenges such as building a Master Builder's house as your Brick Collection grows, and collect and race amazing new LEGO Speed Champions cars, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione and the 1967 Mini Cooper S Rally. "Forza Horizon 4" LEGO Speed Champions will launch worldwide on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC on June 13, 2019, as an Xbox Play Anywhere expansion and be available at a 10% discount for Xbox Game Pass members.

• "GEARS 5" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC, STEAM). "Gears 5" features five thrilling modes, including Escape, an aggressive, high-stakes, three-player co-op mode featuring a suicide squad that must work together to take out enemy hives from within. "Gears 5" will be released on Sept. 10, 2019, and will be available in early access for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Plan members and "Gears 5 Ultimate Edition" owners on Sept. 6. Preorder or play with Xbox Game Pass by Sept. 16, 2019, to get The Terminator Dark Fate Character Pack, which adds the Terminator T-800 Endoskeleton and Sarah Connor from the upcoming film "Terminator Dark Fate" as playable multiplayer characters.

• "GEARS POP!" (iOS, ANDROID). "Gears POP!" brings together iconic Gears characters in a cute Funko Pop! style. The game is being developed in partnership with Funko (Nasdaq "FNKO") and inspired by the Gears of War vinyl collectible figures. It's the perfect slice of mobile mayhem. Fans can look for more information about "Gears POP!" on @gearspop and can preorder on iOS and Android ahead of launch later this summer.

• "HALO INFINITE" (PROJECT SCARLETT, XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). The Master Chief returns in 2020 when "Halo Infinite" releases globally with Project Scarlett. This next chapter in 343 Industries' legendary Halo franchise invites players to join the venerable Master Chief on an all-new adventure as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding the appearance of "The Pilot" and the desolate remains of a Halo ring. "Halo Infinite" is powered by the studio's next-generation Slipspace Engine.

• "LEGO STAR WARS: THE SKYWALKER SAGA" (WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT). Play through all nine Star Wars™ saga films in a brand-new LEGO video game unlike any other. Players will experience fun-filled adventures, whimsical humor, and the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the LEGO Star Wars universe like never before. With hundreds of characters and vehicles from across the galaxy, players can dive into their favorite Star Wars moments in an all new way, complete with the hilarious LEGO brand of fun that's sure to delight players of all ages.

• "MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). The next generation of our longest-running franchise, "Microsoft Flight Simulator," is coming to Windows 10 with Xbox Game Pass in 2020, and coming to Xbox One at a later date. "Microsoft Flight Simulator" is specifically designed to celebrate flight simulation fans through a focus on the authenticity of flying and visually stunning environments. By revamping our tech, working in close collaboration with the community and pursuing the best partnerships across the industry, we intend to deliver the best-in-class flight simulation experience.

• "MINECRAFT DUNGEONS" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC, NINTENDO SWITCH, PLAYSTATION 4). An all-new action-adventure game set in the Minecraft universe coming to Xbox One, Windows 10 PC, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4! Created in the classic dungeon crawler style, "Minecraft Dungeons" takes players on an epic quest full of new characters and environments to discover with single player or in co-op multiplayer for up to four players — including couch co-op on Xbox One. "Minecraft Dungeons" will also be available with Xbox Game Pass the same day of its global release in spring 2020.

• "ORI AND THE WILL OF THE WISPS" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC, STEAM). "Ori and the Will of the Wisps" is the highly anticipated sequel to "Ori and the Blind Forest," the acclaimed action platformer with more than 50 awards and nominations, and will be released Feb. 11, 2020. Brought to you by Xbox Game Studios and Moon Studios, the game will be available to buy on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Steam, and premiere in Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console. At E3 we showed off new, never-before-seen gameplay and provided a deeper look at the game's intense all-new combat system with Ori fighting the different towering bosses in the game's vast and exotic world.

• "PHANTASY STAR ONLINE 2" (SEGA). Japan's greatest F2P online RPG comes to North America for the first time for Xbox One! "Phantasy Star Online 2" strives for bringing a "never-ending quest." Randomized fields, Interrupt Events, and Multiparty Areas where up to 12 players can play together never make your quest stale and keep it always fresh and surprising. While keeping the easy character control system of the series, more stylish and customizable combat actions are enabled for ideal heroes of players that are given life for the quest through the revolutionized character creation system that brings ultimate designability.

• "RPG TIME: THE LEGEND OF WRIGHT" (DESKWORKS). School's out! Meet us in an empty classroom for a grand adventure with a young aspiring game developer and his very own RPG. You're sure to be dazzled by his hand-drawn creations as you journey into the surprising and magical world of imagination! 

• "SEA OF THIEVES" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). "Sea of Thieves" continues to grow and evolve with the on-demand competition of The Arena and story-driven quests of Tall Tales, all included as a part of the free Anniversary Update, the game's biggest content update to date. As teased at E3, players on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Xbox Game Pass can expect more ways to play and new shared world storytelling coming to the game in the future.

• "SPIRITFARER" (THUNDER LOTUS, XBOX GAME PASS). Creators of hand-drawn indie experiences Thunder Lotus return with their unique third production: "Spiritfarer," a cozy management game about dying. You play Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased. Build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and finally release them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook and craft your way across mystical seas, as you learn how to say goodbye to your cherished friends.

• "STAR WARS JEDI: FALLEN ORDER" (ELECTRONIC ARTS). Order 66 has been executed. As a young Padawan on the run, you've long kept your abilities hidden to stay alive. Now, you must embrace them. In a brand-new gameplay trailer debuted at the Xbox E3 briefing, see how you will use the Force to explore your environment, master lightsaber combat, and remain one step ahead of the Empire.

• "STATE OF DECAY 2: HEARTLAND" (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 PC). "State of Decay 2: Heartland" features a return to Trumbull Valley in a new story-based adventure. Once the iconic site of the original "State of Decay" game, the towns of Spencer's Mill and Marshall are now overrun with an advanced form of blood plague: a more aggressive and far deadlier version than exists anywhere else. Though it may be familiar territory to those who homesteaded here years ago, Trumbull Valley is packed with new dangers — and unspeakable horrors. Heartland launches for all "State of Decay 2" players on June 9, 2019, for $9.99 on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, and is included with Xbox Game Pass.

• "TALES OF ARISE" (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT INC.). The Tales of series returns with "Tales of Arise," a story driven RPG following the journey of two people, born on opposing sister planets, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. Featuring a new cast of characters, intense action based combat and classic Tales of gameplay mechanics, experience a tale of duality, justice and the fight for freedom.

• "THE OUTER WORLDS" (OBSIDIAN ENTERTAINMENT AND PRIVATE DIVISION, XBOX GAME PASS). Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edge of the galaxy, you awake decades later than you expected only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the Halcyon colony. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter a host of factions all vying for power, who you decide to become will determine the fate of everyone in Halcyon. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

• "TWELVE MINUTES" (ANNAPURNA INTERACTIVE). A romantic evening takes a wrong turn when a police detective breaks into your home, accuses your wife of murder, and knocks you unconscious. In a heartbeat, you are immediately returned to the start of the evening, before it all happens again and again. A real-time, interactive thriller, where you will need to use the knowledge of what's about to happen, to change the outcome and break the twelve-minutes loop.

• "WASTELAND 3" (DEEP SILVER, XBOX GAME PASS). "Wasteland 3" is a post-apocalyptic RPG from inXile entertainment, set in the perpetual nuclear winter of the Colorado Nation. Players will face challenging tactical combat, explore an interactive world, and engage in a deep story full of brutal ethical decisions. Create and customize a squad in single player or co-op, and whether you go in guns blazing or try to smooth over a situation through peaceful negotiation, your choices will mean life or death for those trying to survive in this harsh and unforgiving world.

• "WAY TO THE WOODS" (ONE PIXEL DOG). A Deer and Fawn must embark on a journey through an abandoned world of the unknown to get home. A third person adventure game solo developed by Anthony Tan, featuring music from Aivi&Surasshu, composers for the show Steven Universe. Unravel the mystery of Cat Town, evade a hounding pack of wolves, and find your light to explore a world filled with the relics of the old gods: humanity.

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

SOURCE: Microsoft Corp.