The internet can’t seem to keep Microsoft’s out of its mouth lately.
Just last month, Microsoft laid off a chunk of its workforce, most of which were employees of Activision Blizzard. Then, it hosted an Xbox Direct, the first showcase of the year. Now, rumors are going around about the company’s plans.
Despite all the talks though, no one seems to know what’s happening.
Phil Spencer kickstarted this race to see who was right all along last week when he revealed that Xbox will make a significant announcement next week.
As if pouring gasoline into the raging fires of speculation, several insiders and journalists are stepping up, making contradictory claims. Some are saying that Xbox is bringing “some” of its exclusives to PlayStation soon. Others believe that the plan is more comprehensive, which includes every first-party and third-party exclusive released so far and the ones that are in development. Finally, this led to speculation that Xbox is thinking about dropping out of the console market entirely, focusing instead on becoming a third-party publisher, like SEGA, for example.
Absent an official confirmation from Microsoft, what’s happening right now is a brutal week filled with insiders doing plenty of backtracking and taking back previous claims while making new contradictory ones.
This lack of consistency is surprising, to say the least. More often than not, gaming insiders will corroborate each other’s rumors. This hasn’t been the case lately. As a result, the internet is likely busy keeping receipts to see who’s right or wrong once word from Xbox breaks out.
Unfortunately, this “he said, she said” situation will have to continue for at least a little while until Phil Spencer finally clears the air.
For now, the only thing clear is that Xbox has secured several wins to start the year, including being allowed to bring Xbox Game Pass to Apple devices and Palworld’s success.
We’ll find out soon enough if Xbox’s upcoming “business update” will add to this tally.
