Team Xbox is announcing its plans for the Gamescom 2017 convention in Cologne, Germany. Gamescom has become one of, if not the largest video game convention in the world and Micrsoft is certain to bring its A-game. That includes bringing the new Xbox One X console to event along with 27 different playable games across Microsoft's supported platforms. Microsoft will also be hosting a keynote livestream for Gamescom, as well a special Age of Empires 20th anniversary livestream. Gamescom shenanigans start August 20, with the showfloor opening from August 23 - August 26.

Of special interest to Xbox fans will be Microsoft's Gamescom opening live show. Airing on Sunday, August 20, at 9:00pm CEST / Noon PDT Xbox @ Gamescom Live is planned to feature Xbox's "latest news and announcements" for Xbox One X. The event is planned to include developer interviews, gameplay demos for upcoming releases, and at least some "surprises and giveaways." Just going off of the event's description, any huge announcement seem unlikely. But hopefully the event is still worth getting hype for.

The Age of Empires 20th anniversary livestream will be a great event for nostalgic fans of the franchise. The livestream will air on Monday, August 21 at 9:00pm CEST / Noon PDT and will be done live in front of an audience of fans (details on how to attend not yet available). The focus of the event will be  to "celebrate the rich history" of the Age of Empires franchise, but Microsoft will also take the opportunity to provide a first look at the upcoming Age of Empires: Definitive Edition that was announced at E3.

Beyond the Gamescom keynote livestream and the Age of Empires livestream, Xbox fans can find the Xbox booth in Hall 8 of the Koelnmesse, North entrance. Here's the full schedule for for Microsoft's booth, which will remain open so long as Gamecom's doors are open:

  • Tuesday, August 22 – 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. CEST (press/trade only day)
  • Wednesday, August 23 – 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CEST
  • Thursday, August 24 – 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. CEST
  • Friday, August 25 – 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. CEST
  • Saturday, August 26 – 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. CEST

As mentioned, the Xbox booth fill feature as many as 27 playable games for Gamescom attendees to check out. The only games mentioned by name to be available will be Forza Motorsport 7, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, and Sea of Thieves. Fans at home hoping to join in on the fun should pay a close eye to Microsoft's various social media channels. The Xbox team plans on sharing news and content, as well as livestreaming, for the duration of the event.