Xbox

Microsoft Studios and Crytek debuted Gladiator mode, the cooperative multiplayer experience in “Ryse: Son of Rome,” and showed off an in-depth look at never-before-seen features and refinements to the game’s combat system at gamescom in Cologne, Germany, on Tuesday.

The Xbox team unveiled a slew of announcements Tuesday at gamescom – the world’s biggest gaming show – showcasing why Xbox One will be the premier next-generation console choice for gamers.

In the sixth major installment of the “Assassin’s Creed” series, pirates rule the Caribbean and have established a lawless pirate republic. Guesdon talks about what he’s most excited about in terms of developing on new-generation hardware, how multiplayer will work in “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag,” and much more.

Check out the Xbox Wire interview with developer Ubisoft Montreal’s Senior Producer Dominic Guay, Creative Director Jonathan Morin and Lead Story Designer Kevin Shortt about the game’s dramatic aspects, developing on a new generation of hardware, and more.

At the Aug. 14 “Call of Duty: Ghosts” Global Multiplayer Reveal event in Los Angeles, Xbox’s Major Nelson met with Tina Palacios, senior community manager at Infinity Ward, to talk about all things “Call of Duty: Ghosts.”

The series follows the career of Sarah Palmer from her days as an Orbital Drop Shock Trooper to commander of a new breed of Spartan super-soldiers aboard the UNSC Infinity.

Next week, Xbox heads to Cologne, Germany, for the mammoth gamescom event Aug. 21-25. Phil Spencer, Microsoft Studios corporate vice president, will help kick off the proceedings in an Aug. 21 keynote, and discussed the Xbox team’s plans for the show in this podcast with Major Nelson.