In an unanticipated revelation, confidential Microsoft documents were inadvertently made public, providing audiences with an unprecedented insight into Xbox’s potential future strategies and plans. This inadvertent exposure has been attributed to Microsoft itself, a fact confirmed by both the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley.
Originally, these documents were provided by Microsoft as part of evidence in the FTC’s ongoing case against Microsoft and its proposed $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
When the information unexpectedly appeared online, conspiracy theories surged across the internet.
Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley has signed an order today that says "Microsoft provided the link" to documents the court uploaded–and has since pulled due to the sensitive info they contained
Orders the parties to resubmit clean docs by Sept 22 https://t.co/IIOYgHRpse pic.twitter.com/Rtr8Wvihr1
— Stephen Totilo (@stephentotilo) September 19, 2023
The FTC was not responsible for uploading Microsoft's plans for its games and consoles to the court website. https://t.co/MspoQN1exL
— Douglas Farrar (@DouglasLFarrar) September 19, 2023
In response to the rising speculation, Douglas Farrar, director of the FTC’s Office of Public Affairs, took to the internet’s favorite social media platform, X, to assert that the FTC wasn’t behind the release. Rather, Farrar emphasized Microsoft can only blame itself for the error, providing further evidence by sharing a court order detailing the accidental release.
This leak has presented numerous details, shedding light on Microsoft’s inner workings and possible ambitions. Among the most significant revelations was the company’s enduring interest in acquiring Nintendo. Historical reports suggest that Microsoft had approached Nintendo about a potential buyout before the launch of the original Xbox, only for it to be met with outright derision from the gaming giant. However, these recently leaked documents indicate that the Xbox boss, Phil Spencer, still views Nintendo as a “prime asset” in the gaming realm. Notably, the email from Spencer suggests that acquiring Nintendo would be a “career moment.”
In addition to the acquisition interests, the leak has unveiled potential product timelines, suggesting a mid-generation refresh for the Xbox Series X in October 2024. This updated version is anticipated to be all-digital and might come with a revamped controller, boasting enhancements such as haptic feedback, an accelerometer, and quieter thumbsticks. Looking further ahead, another Xbox system is projected to be launched in 2028.
Besides the interest in Nintendo, the documents also revealed Microsoft’s consideration of other acquisition targets like ZeniMax and WB Games, the former of which it has since acquired.
Bethesda’s plans for various game releases were disclosed as part of the leak as well, including remasters of Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
However, it’s essential to interpret these revelations with caution. The volatile nature of the gaming industry means that these plans, while laid out in the leaked documents, might undergo significant changes or might not even come to fruition.
As of now, Microsoft has remained tight-lipped about the entire situation, with only Phil Spencer promising the “real plans” are still under wraps.
Whether or not the company will make changes following the public reception to these leaks and their implications remains to be seen.
