Let's be honest: E3 2015 was a big success for Microsoft. Not only did the publisher have a strong lineup of games coming to the Xbox One, but a number of long-requested features made their debut. For many gamers, an Xbox One is now finally worth the price of admission, and Microsoft is doing everything it can to keep this momentum.

Which brings us to GamesCom 2015 — while E3 is the undisputed heavyweight champion of video game conventions, GamesCom is no slouch. As Europe's biggest trade event, you can bet that all of gaming's biggest platforms will make an appearance. For Microsoft, it's a chance to reinforce that E3 momentum... though it seems that the Xbox One will be headed into GamesCom with a bit of a handicap.

Sadly, both ReCore and Sea of Thieves – two of the Xbox One's biggest exclusives – won't be making it to GamesCom. It's understandable why they'll be missing out, but considering that they were two of the bigger reveals at E3 2015, their absence will be noticeable.

So, why aren't ReCore and Sea of Thieves going to GamesCom? Is something wrong? Thankfully, no — it's more of the nature of the industry than anything else.

On the surface, most E3 demos look like nothing more than scripted, pre-recorded gameplay videos, but they're far more complicated than that. Not only are developers working with incomplete software, but they're working on multiple tight deadlines even before heading to the show. To try and create an entirely new demo on a new software build in time for GamesCom – which opens just a few months after E3 – is simply too much for smaller teams.

Microsoft's Phil Spencer summed it up perfectly:

Yes, it's sad that Sea of Thieves and ReCore won't be at GamesCom... but if that means the teams behind the games get more time to work on the finished product, then perhaps sitting one trade show out isn't the worst thing in the world.

For more on both ReCore and Sea of Thieves, head on over to our E3 coverage hub.

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