Europe’s big video game convention kicked off with a bang as Microsoft was the first big player to hold a keynote presentation. With the Xbox One steadily gaining ground in the PR game after doing enough policy 180s that you could call it the Xbox 720, Microsoft still had some things to say to get people hyped about their next-gen console.

Indie developers and their fans finally got the details on Microsoft’s new self-publishing platform on the Xbox One. The scheme will be called ID@Xbox. Developers will apply to be a part of the program with each accepted applicant (with preference given to those devs with a track record of releasing games) getting two free dev kits and access to all the Xbox One tools, including Kinect, SmartGlass, multiplayer through Xbox Live and Achievements.

As for the discoverability of games, Microsoft had an explanation that I couldn’t make heads or tails of. Microsoft said that all games will be located together in the story. Self-published games would be given promotion through “trending” games listings, the Spotlight editor picks list and a recommendation list.

The caveat to the ID@Xbox system is that Microsoft is going to act as a reseller and set the retail price for indie games. Devs will sell the games to the Xbox store at a wholesale price and Microsoft will set the price that customers pay. At least we know that we can’t solely blame the devs if we don’t like the price of indie games on the Xbox One.

Xbox One exclusive Killer Instinct finally has a pricing scheme. The game will have six characters available at launch with two more coming later. Each character you buy after the one you get for free costs $5. Rather than pay $35 for all the characters, you can buy the whole cast for $20. I don’t know if that makes this game so much free-to-play as a jumped up demo so Microsoft has something to promote.

Speaking of Xbox One games, Microsoft took the opportunity at Gamescom to announce a few new exclusives. A multiplayer Fable game called Fable Legends was announced with almost no details. The Mojang-published platformer Cobalt will also hit Xbox One and 360. Ubisoft is working on a Kinect fighting game called Fighter Within. And EA / Popcap games Peggle 2 and Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare will both be timed exclusives on the Xbox One.

Since Gamescom is in Europe, Microsoft had a big surprise to help them gain ground in the European market (or those few countries who will get Xbox One consoles on launch). Microsoft announced that every pre-ordered Xbox One console will come with a copy of FIFA 14. That’s a very popular game in that part of the world given the popularity of soccer in Europe so it’s a smart game to package with consoles. And, of course, it’s a game by Xbox best buddy Electronic Arts. Figures…

Also, Microsoft announced the complete line-up of games that will be available at launch. The 23 games that will be available on day one of the Xbox One are:

• Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag
• Battlefield 4
• Call of Duty: Ghosts
• Crimson Dragon
• Dead Rising 3
• FIFA 14
• Fighter Within
• Forza Motorsport 5
• Just Dance 2014
• Killer Instinct
• LEGO Marvel Super Heroes
• Lococycle
• Madden NFL 25
• NBA 2K14
• NBA LIVE 14
• Need for Speed: Rivals
• Peggle 2
• Powerstar Golf
• Ryse: Son of Rome
• Skylanders: Swap Force
• Watch Dogs
• Zoo Tycoon
• Zumba Fitness: World Party

Sources: Eurogamer, GamesIndustry, Xbox Wire