Microsoft’s Xbox One X, Sony’s PlayLink and Sega Forever headline this week’s MCV

This week, we talk to Microsoft and Sony about their E3 announcements and what’s to come for the platform holders.

In the blue corner, Sony Worldwide Studios’ senior VP Michael Denny discusses PlayLink and how it’s looking to utilise casual gamers’ familiarity with smartphones as a recruiting tool for multiplayer console gaming. In the green corner, head of Xbox operations Dave McCarthy talks up the new Xbox One X, the launch line-up for the hugely-powerful console and what’s next for the platform.

Elsewhere, we also speak to UK distributors Link Distribution, Exertis, Lime Distribution, Click Entertainment and Creative Distribution about the health of their businesses in an increasingly digital era.

Plus, we talk to Sega Network’s Mike Evans about the launch of Sega Forever and how it will leverage the company’s huge back catalogue like never before.

This week’s issue also features chats with Activision’s Vicarious Visions about the return of Crash Bandicoot, Level-5 Abby about what’s new with the upcoming Layton’s Mystery Journey, and PQube about the remake of 2001’s classic South Korean horror game White Day: A Labyrinth Named School.

The latest digital edition can beread herefor free

The full contents of this week’s issue are below:

• OPINION: Ukie’s CEO Dr Jo Twist discusses Gamescom’s sponsorship opportunities for UK games companies
• DISTRIBUTION: Five of the UK’s top distributors talk about the their role in today’s market and how they feel about the rest of 2017
• XBOX: Dave McCarthy talks about Microsoft’s plans for the Xbox One X and its exclusive game line-up
• SONY: Michael Denny on how Sony’s new PlayLink service could widen the PS4’s mainstream appeal
• SEGA: We discuss free-to-play models, user acquisition, Apple TV, Switch and more with Sega Network’s Mike Evans
• CRASH BANDICOOT: Vicarious Visions on what we should expect from the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
• LAYTON: Level-5 Abby’s Lucy Pozniak discusses Professor Layton’s jump to mobile with Mystery Journey
• PQUBE: Product manager Matthew Pellett on South Korean horror title White Day: A Labyrinth Named School
• PLUS! Newly announced Amiibo figures range, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age headlines the big game releases of the week, and more