Current AAA games can take at least a decade in development if no longer. For example, if a studio started working on a big project right now, it would have to be for the PlayStation 6 and the next Xbox. But, it appears, Microsoft is following a more extensive timeline for an unnamed video game sequel.
As part of the ongoing deliberations between Microsoft’s proposed $70 billion Activision Blizzard purchase, a document is revealing that Microsoft is working on an unannounced sequel to an established franchise.
Here’s what the document, which was spotted by Axios’ Stephen Totilo, says about the latest revelation:
Halo Infinite, a recent title from Microsoft’s first-party Halo franchise, was in production [REDACTED], and cost almost [REDACTED] million to develop and bring to market,” the statement reads. “Other Triple-A games take even longer to develop. For instance, according to one Microsoft executive, [REDACTED], a forthcoming title from the [REDACTED] franchise, may take a decade to develop.
The prevalent theory is this game is Elder Scrolls VI. The highly anticipated follow-up to The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim was still in its design phase two years ago as Todd Howard and the rest of Bethesda Game Studio focused their efforts on the impending launch of Starfield.
We’re pretty sure the document isn’t referring to Starfield. It’s a new IP (Bethesda’s first in a long time, to be exact) but, a lot like TES VI, it’s been in development for nearly a decade.
Another plausible theory is that the document is about Fallout 5, which is in the pipeline after the release of Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI.
Ultimately, Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media for this very reason. The company’s plethora of subsidiaries fits with long-term plans to make Xbox exclusives for several more years to come.
Unfortunately, because the project is likely still early in its development, we won’t hear more about this game until later this decade if not in the early 2030s.
The good news is we won’t have to wait for too long to hear more from Microsoft. The Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct are penciled in for June 11. On the other hand, after numerous delays, Redfall, Arkane Studios’ first Xbox-exclusive game, is coming out on May 2.
