Microsoft has been intensely focusing on game development and game studio acquirement in recent times to help bolster their Xbox brand’s portfolio. As such, it’s not surprising that there have been rumblings from developers and industry insiders implying Xbox Game Studios will be releasing two unannounced games this year, according to several sources.
The Xbox’s Narrative Director Dave Morgan revealed on his LinkedIn profile that a major unannounced AAA open-world project is currently in development. Compulsion Games, which was acquired by Xbox Game Studios in 2018, is also reportedly working on a new title. On Linkedin, the studio was looking for a new writer. The job posting stated: “We like to take on troublesome themes. We try to make characters with compelling, human flaws. We mix darkness and comedy. Our games are hard to write.”
Finally, according to Windows Central’s Jez Corden in a recent The Xbox Two podcast, Xbox has “at least” two more big games that will be released in 2021. “I know of at least two games, big games, that aren’t on that list that are coming from Xbox in 2021.”
This isn’t the first time that online reports and rumors turned out to be true. Last April, an upcoming project given to the newly founded Microsoft studio was rumored to be a new Perfect Dark game. The project was said to run on Unreal Engine 4 and feature “various weapons, gadgets, and a camera surveillance system.” In December, the new game was officially announced at The Game Awards.
In September Microsoft dropped a bombshell by revealing that they purchased Bethesda Softworks and Zenimax Media for $7.5 Billion. And in December of that same year Smash.gg, the esports community platform, was announced to be formally acquired by Microsoft. A banner on the site’s homepage offers a statement on the acquisition: that the collaboration with Microsoft will allow Smash.gg to “help strengthen our existing relationships and explore new opportunities.” Additionally, the statement clarifies that Smash.gg “will continue as a self-service esports platform available to tournament organizers from all game communities.”
Just last week, following the announcement of the price increases for Xbox Live Gold and largely negative fan reaction, Microsoft reversed course and stated that it will not be increasing the pricing. Additionally, the company also announced that free-to-play games will no longer require an Xbox Live Gold membership to play, with those changes being implemented on the service “in the coming months.”
The post Xbox Game Studios May Release Two Unannounced Titles in 2021 by Allisa James appeared first on DualShockers.