Rumour - Microsoft to "serve the hardcore" at E3 with Kinect reveals

Microsoft will affirm its support to hardcore Kinect titles at E3, with announces of Dance Central 2 and Kinect Sports 2 to come in Los Angeles in two-and-half weeks.

Eurogamer is reporting that Kinect Sports 2 is set to be unveiled for a Christmas launch later this year, with another title for the motion camera in development at Rare. The second title won't use familiar characters from past franchises, such as Banjo.

Meanwhile, Dance Central 2 from Harmonix - which was already confirmed to be in development as far back as November last year - is set to have a Christmas 2011 launch exclusivity period.

Announcements will also be made regarding two new titles from a developer who has already launched titles for Kinect, although it's unknown who that developer is.

Two new studios have also opened and are working on Kinect titles, according to the site: one in Soho, London and another near Microsoft's HQ in Redmond, Seattle.

Another recently opened studio in Vancouver is thought to be working on a core FPS for the controller.

The Kinect announcements will "serve the hardcore," according to one of the site's sources.

EG's also reporting that a brand new open-world Forza title is on the way from ex-Codemasters staffer Gavin Raeburn. This is not the first time open-world and Forza have been mentioned together: a survey for Forza 4 already mentioned the possibility earlier this year.

Microsoft said following the release of NPD data for April that it would triple the output of Kinect titles by the end of the year.

EG has also said that ten non-sequel Kinect titles will also be announced in LA.

MS has refused to comment.

Micrsoft’s press conference takes place at the University of Southern California’s Galen Theatre on Monday, June 6 from 9am PST (5pm BST).