Microsoft pitches Halo 5: Guardians as an esport

Microsoft showed off the esports potential of Halo 5: Guardians in a demo at its Gamescom press event today in Cologne, Germany.

Microsoft showed off a capture-the-flag match played by a couple of esports teams. Richard Simms, a veteran esports broadcaster, and Halo community manager Andy “Bravo” Dudynsky narrated the match that was fought on the multilevel Coliseum map, which Microsoft unveiled for the first time today.

Halo 5: Guardians launches in 85 days on Oct. 27, 2015. You may preorder an Xbox One limited edition console with Halo 5: Guardians today.

Josh Holmes, the executive producer of the game at Microsoft’s 343 Industries studio, said that Microsoft shall hold the Halo World Championship tournament this fall with a $1 million prize pool.