Following a day of multiple leaks about Microsoft’s plans for the future of Xbox, including an all-digital Xbox Series X, an advanced controller, a “cloud-hybrid” console, and failed Nintendo acquisition plans, Xbox head Phil Spencer has finally addressed the situation publicly.
In a tweet, Spencer expressed his disappointment about the leaks, saying, “It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future.” He assured fans that the company would share the real plans when they are ready.
But Spencer’s comments didn’t stop there. In an internal memo sent to employees at Microsoft’s gaming division, he went further in addressing the leaks. The memo, published in full by The Verge, revealed his frustration about the unintentional disclosure of several documents related to the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Spencer acknowledged that while many of the leaked documents were over a year old and the plans had evolved, the leak was still disappointing. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality and expressed his commitment to learning from the incident to prevent similar leaks in the future.
In the memo, Spencer also thanked the Xbox team for their hard work and dedication, urging them to remain focused on the projects they can control, such as the upcoming release of Starfield and Forza Motorsport. He reminded everyone of their shared goal to surprise and delight players and encouraged them to continue building games, services, and devices that millions of players can enjoy.
The leaks themselves revealed Microsoft’s hardware plans for the future of Xbox. The leaked documents, originally shared internally in 2022, outlined a plan to release a disc-less, cylindrical, 2TB version of the Xbox Series X in 2024. Additionally, the plans included an updated controller with “precision haptic feedback” similar to PlayStation’s DualSense, as well as direct-to-cloud capabilities like Stadia’s controller. The leaked documents also hinted at a 10th-gen Xbox console focusing on “cloud-hybrid games” scheduled for a 2028 release.
Interestingly, the leaks also revealed that Xbox head Phil Spencer had once considered acquiring Nintendo. However, it seems that Microsoft is now focused on the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which inadvertently led to the leak of these documents.
The leaks undoubtedly caused chaos and disruption within the Xbox community, but Spencer’s response aims to downplay their significance. He emphasizes that plans and strategies have changed since these documents were originally shared, and there is much more to look forward to in the future.
As fans eagerly await the official announcements and plans from Xbox, the leaked documents have provided a glimpse into the company’s ambitions. Despite the setback caused by the leaks, Microsoft remains committed to delivering exciting and innovative gaming experiences for players.
In conclusion, the leaks have shed light on Microsoft’s vision for the future of Xbox, revealing plans for an all-digital console, advanced controller features, and a highly anticipated cloud-hybrid gaming experience. While the leaks may have caused disappointment and frustration, Xbox head Phil Spencer has addressed the situation, expressing his commitment to share the real plans when the time is right. As fans eagerly anticipate future announcements, Microsoft remains focused on delivering exceptional gaming experiences for players worldwide.
