Since the rough launch of its current generation console, the Xbox One, Microsoft and Xbox have been slowly rebuilding the relationship with its audience and for the most part have been rather successful. By listening to its fan base and giving them what they ask for like backward compatibility or an expanded exclusive slate, Xbox has created and maintained a successful dialogue with fans that they seem prepared to continue.

Over the weekend, Xbox director of programming Tina Summerford announced Inside Xboxa new web-series in the vein of Nintendo Direct, set to premiere this week on Saturday, March 10th at 12:00 p.m. PT/3;00 p.m. ET.  Microsoft intends to produce and release a new episode of the web series on a monthly basis for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Mixer, and Facebook.

This isn't the first Inside Xbox series Microsoft has produced, with a previous news show of same name canceled back in 2012. The new iteration will again be hosted by Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb aka "Major Nelson", joined by new hosts Graeme Boyd, Jeff Rubenstein, Alex Hebert, Lydia Ellery, as well as others.

Much like the old series, Inside Xbox will give audiences a look inside the world of the Xbox development team and what they're working on. The series will feature announcements and trailer premieres, news about Xbox Game Pass (which recently announced 8 new titles for March) and new Xbox One console features, as well as various interviews and exclusive looks at various games. The show will also have a segment dedicated to videos and feedback from the Xbox Live community.

This week's premiere episode is set to heavily focus on Microsoft exclusive Sea Of Thieves and its developer Rare. Xbox has been pushing Sea Of Thieves pretty hard the last few months, making it the centerpiece of all Microsoft first-party exclusives coming to Game Pass day one, so with its release not far away it makes sense the Xbox team might want to show it off on the web-series. The episode will be looking at the success of the games recent closed beta and its what can be expected in the form of post-release content. Who knows, maybe fans will get some word regarding the rumored open beta in the works.

Inside Xbox web-series announcement

Of course, Sea of Thieves won't be the only focus. Also on the line-up is an interview with Ubisoft developers about the upcoming release of Far Cry 5, an interview about PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds,  a look at the new Xbox One retro-style Duke controller, and of course a few words about Game Pass.

Based on the success Nintendo has had with its Direct presentations, the program seems like another solid move for Xbox and with a popular face like Major Nelson leading the series it can only serve to continue the goodwill Microsoft has built over the past few years. While nothing will top listening to gamers and giving them what they've asked for, a direct line of communication from the Xbox team to the players will no doubt be appreciated. Now, let's just hope Inside Xbox doesn't go the way of its predecessor.