Corden recently noted that to properly accommodate the Windows 11 “Full Screen Experience” and Xbox PC app, there will reportedly be “major updates” to the latter. You’ll still be able to run Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles, which also means support for one’s existing library, while accessing Steam, Battle.net, and so on.

This transition to a more unified platform has been the crux of Microsoft’s marketing strategy as of late, particularly with the “This is an Xbox” campaign. However, the next Xbox could be on the expensive side, not only because of Xbox president Sarah Bond promising a “very premium, very high-end” device but because of escalating RAM costs. Recent rumors even claimed that we could see it and the PlayStation 6 delayed past their rumored 2027/2028 release windows.

That’s not even getting into further price increases for the Xbox Series X/S and PS5. If Microsoft’s plans are indeed pushed forward, it will certainly have enough time to convince developers of its new PC-focused strategy.

While price increases for current-gen consoles in 2026 are naturally concerning, it also allegedly means that the PlayStation 6 and next Xbox could be delayed beyond their rumored 2027 release windows. If RAM prices stabilize in the meantime, then next-generation hardware could still be affordably priced (at least, relative to today’s consoles).

Then again, judging by Microsoft’s desire to make its next console a “very premium, very high-end” machine, you should probably still expect it to be costlier than the Series X. That’s even if RAM prices somehow drop in the interim.

Sadly, PC gaming isn’t safe in the interim either, as ASUS recently announced “strategic price adjustments” for certain products, potentially impacting the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. There are also rumors from Newsis about Nvidia and AMD potentially raising prices for their GPUs this year. This is reportedly affecting the RTX 50 series and Radeon RX 9000 series, with the RTX 5090 increasing from $1,999.99 to $5,000.

Both GPU manufacturers have yet to confirm the same, however, so stay tuned for updates.

According to sources speaking to Jez Corden of Windows Central, the console will run “full-bore Windows, with a TV-optimized, console-style experience layered on top.” The Xbox Full Screen Experience will be the default, allowing players to exit to Windows to access other platforms, including Steam, Battle.net, and even applications like Microsoft Office.

However, as Corden notes, “The onboarding experience will be similar to what you get today on console, and if you choose, you can remain fully inside the Xbox ecosystem, never touching Windows itself. Exiting out to Windows will be for those who want to access games traditionally not available on Xbox, including PlayStation games on Steam, mouse and keyboard-first games like League of Legends, or even classic games from GOG and the like.”

This allegedly goes even further with the next-gen Xbox capable of accessing “decades upon decades of content all on a single device.” It will even support Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One titles through backwards compatibility. You can also expect Auto Super Resolution and Frame Gen to improve existing Series X/S titles (though native versions for the next Xbox are also planned).

The idea is compelling enough, streamlining PC gaming and eliminating issues like shader compilation. The question now is whether the price is appealing to an audience that wants the freedom of accessing their entire PC and Xbox library in a living room set-up.

So it’s probably not ideal to learn that the next generation is underway and potentially arriving sooner than most expect. Oh, Xbox and AMD have announced their multi-year deal, the former reasserting its commitment to future hardware even as console hardware revenue drops every quarter. PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny even sat down with AMD’s senior VP, Jack Huynh, and stated outright that the next PlayStation console is a few years away.

Yet, rumors are circulating that hardware has already been finalized. Insider KeplerL2 has reported about the PlayStation 6 for some time now, from the inclusion of a detachable disc drive, a portable variant for gaming on the go, a substantial leap in ray tracing performance over the PS5 and PS5 Pro and so on. However, last week, they alleged that Sony is targeting 2027 for the console’s release, barring any “unexpected delays.”

Rather conveniently, Microsoft’s next Xbox has its own rumors circulating, and wouldn’t you know it, but it’s also in discussions for a 2027 release (according to Moore’s Law is Dead). That would mean a potential announcement for both consoles next year.

I won’t delve too much into their hardware because it’s all rumors and conjecture at this point – most could probably guess that both will feature CPUs based on AMD’s Zen 6 architecture. It is notable that the Xbox APU, reportedly offers performance that’s about 30 to 35 percent higher than the PS6.

No, what really interests me is the release timing of both consoles. It’s not surprising in the least, as with the PS4 and Xbox One, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S launched within days of each other, and that too during the lucrative Fall period. Both truly began marketing their consoles within the same year; both touted the 4K revolution that the current generation would bring (and surprise, surprise, there have been mixed results). Both have raised prices on their respective consoles – they’ve only really diverged in their mid-cycle (if that’s what we’re calling it) plans.

Sony took the tried-and-true enhanced console approach with the PS5 Pro, but Microsoft is delving into the handheld space with Asus via the Ally and Ally X. And despite their high prices, stock has sold out for the latter, which should be good news.

However, the current perception is that it’s too early for new consoles, simply because the generation still hasn’t really peaked. Some feel that there haven’t been nearly enough exclusives to justify moving on. As much as Sony has had a great year with Death Stranding 2: On the Beach and Ghost of Yōtei, they’re still only two games. What about the rest of PlayStation Studios? What about the closures and cancellations that resulted from the failed live service push? 2026 is looking better with Marvel’s Wolverine and Saros, but it still doesn’t feel nearly enough, especially when the PS5 came out swinging in its first 12 months.

Then there’s Microsoft, which fumbled no small amount of exclusives – Redfall, Halo Infinite, Starfield, Forza Motorsport, just to name a few – when it wasn’t busy cancelling the rest. In fact, most of its acclaimed releases were either cross-gen (Forza Horizon 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisps) or multi-platform (like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle). At least there was Hi-Fi Rush, even if Microsoft rewarded Tango Gameworks by shutting it down and selling off the IP to Krafton. When Xbox doesn’t feel like it’s sinking to new lows, having to outright clarify that US retailers still carry its games and hardware, it feels like the best is still to come (and admittedly, its 2026 line-up does look good).

Assuming the seven-year cycle is true, this generation has also likely felt shorter because it didn’t properly take off in 2020 due to the pandemic and global chip shortages. And yet, I don’t think either Sony or Microsoft really care.

Aside from the deals they have with AMD regarding manufacturing, both companies have obligations to shareholders alone. For Sony, the decision to allegedly pursue a handheld version of the PS6 probably comes from the success of the PlayStation Portal. It likely won’t worry too much about an install base either – the fact that consumers are still buying PS5 consoles despite the lack of exclusives shows that they’re not the biggest priority. Important, sure, but it’s the brand that really matters. And besides, many of them will likely become cross-gen when the PS6 launches because if it worked for the PS5 – see Horizon Forbidden West, Ragnarok, Gran Turismo 7, etc – it can work again.

Microsoft is a little trickier to predict. Despite rumors of their own handheld supposedly being shelved, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s waiting to see how the ROG Xbox Ally performs before committing to a proper Xbox variant. On the other hand, you have to wonder whether its attempt to compete in the console space makes any sense, given that many of its first-party titles have gone multi-platform, or the whole “This is an Xbox” slogan that wants to encompass multiple devices. Again, time will tell because if there’s one thing that Microsoft has consistently done this generation, it’s baffled us with its decisions, time and again.

At the end of the day, it will be less about whether the PS6 and next Xbox actually launch in 2027, and whether you should actually put money down for them. With rising prices, is $700, $800, $900 or even $1000 acceptable, especially when you know that one or the other will get enhanced versions? Is it worth believing, once again, that both consoles will push the limits of graphical fidelity, just like their predecessors promised? For many, it may be as simple as deciding whether they want to put down however much is necessary to play Grand Theft Auto 6 in native 4K at 60 FPS with ray tracing (and you can be sure there will be an Enhanced Edition at some point with new content to sweeten the deal).

As annoying as it feels, I can’t blame either company much for the same habits, even with how bizarrely this generation has unfolded. I would advise fans of either brand to be a little more wary about buying into their promises, but then again, hype can be a dangerous thing, and all it would take is that one coveted Bloodborne remaster or maybe a new Halo to throw caution to the wind. To paraphrase a famous character, you can accept the next generation of consoles or defy it, but you can’t deny it, and once the hype starts, there’s no escape.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

That’s what a recent job ad suggests, at any rate. Spotted by a ResetEra user, a listing published by Rocksteady for a senior core engine programmer reveals that the studio is looking to release its next game on “high-end PCs, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the next generation of consoles.”

Of course, the listing doesn’t specifically mention a Batman game, instead referring to the project as an “upcoming unannounced AAA title”. However new single-player Batman game is what Rocksteady’s next AAA release will be, according to leaks. Plans could still change, especially given how early in development the game is right now, but for now, it looks like Rocksteady is eyeing a cross-gen release down the line.

Silent Hill 2 Remake Release Date

Whether it’s posters allegedly showing up in GameStop, the ESRB rating the title or Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb reporting an appearance at the rumored PlayStation Showcase and The Snitch seemingly corroborating, Silent Hill 2’s time is nigh. Bloober Team’s remake could get new gameplay and a release date, with CEO Piotr Babieno outright saying last month that the latter is happening “soon”. Based on all the evidence, launching this Fall or Winter wouldn’t be surprising. Perhaps in time for the constantly rumored…

PS5 Pro Reveal

With nearly everything about it leaked save for the design and price, it’s almost a given that Sony could finally unveil the PS5 Pro. The release window is still a bit iffy – Grubb reported a September 2024 release, while Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson indicated a Holiday launch, potentially slipping due to the lack of big first-party titles before claiming a Fall release window. Either way, with an alleged 28 percent more memory bandwidth, 33.5 TFLOPs GPU and support for Sony’s new supersampling tech, it could make a splash if Silent Hill 2 remake is a showcase title. As for when it could be announced, the PlayStation Showcase makes sense, but it could very well be at the Sony Corporate Group Meeting occurring soon.

Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater Release Date and New Gameplay

Along with the Silent Hill 2 remake, PlayStation did this wonderful thing in January, where it outright said Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is coming in 2024. There’s been no denial from Konami nor acceptance, only the assurance last March that development is going well, thank you for asking, etc. However, it also promised an upcoming video presentation with “bigger announcements.” What better time than this Summer to provide an updated gameplay reveal and release date?

Ghost of Tsushima 2 Announcement

There have been some rumors about Ghost of Tsushima 2, though nothing as of late as we approach Sony’s alleged PlayStation Showcase this month. Nevertheless, the time feels ripe, with Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut available on PC and the movie (directed by Chad Stahelski of John Wick fame) coming up. If it happens, expect limited to no gameplay and a potential release window in 2025.

Next Astro Bot Reveal

Of course, the other possible reveal is the next Astro Bot game. Team Asobi has been quiet since announcing work on its “most ambitious game yet”, and Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb reports that the new title could finally release this year (though he clubbed it in with Sony’s “smaller first-party titles”). The Snitch would seemingly corroborate its appearance at the next PlayStation Showcase, whenever it may be, so it could very well be Astro’s big break, especially with Sony not releasing any new titles for its bigger first-party franchises until April 2025 onwards.

God of War Ragnarok PC Announcement

Another seemingly inevitable announcement is God of War Ragnarok coming to PC. The rumor comes from none other than Dealabs’ billbil-kun, who has an impeccable record with leaks. They outright said an announcement is coming this month, adding more fire to rumors of a PlayStation Showcase this month. Regardless, given Sony’s habit of launching first-party titles on PC a few years after their PlayStation debuts, it would be surprising to see it out in 2024. Fingers crossed and whatnot.

Gears 6 Announcement

Speaking of “right timing,” Microsoft announcing the next Gears of War at its Xbox Games Showcase would be ideal in many ways. Fortunately, Grubb reported something happening this Summer with Gears 6. The Verge’s Tom Warren agreed and then outright said in a later report that there would be an announcement at the show. If that’s not enough, the voice of JD Fenix, actor Liam McIntyre, said on Twitter that Microsoft and The Coalition will “tell us all in June” regarding certain story spoilers.

Perfect Dark Gameplay Reveal

The Xbox Games Showcase could also mark an appearance for Perfect Dark. Announced in 2020 with nary a bit of gameplay or details since and plenty of concerning rumors and reports, insider Nate the Hate “fully expects” it to appear at the showcase (with Grubb also hearing that it could show up). That would fit with Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty being “cautiously confident” in June 2023 about a gameplay deep dive arriving by late 2024.

State of Decay 3 Gameplay Reveal

The other title potentially getting a deep dive is State of Decay 3, Undead Labs’ next chapter in the survival sandbox zombie series. Also announced in 2020 with little to no updates in terms of gameplay since, its developer saw allegations of negligence in 2022, which reportedly affected development. Nevertheless, Jez Corden of Windows Central remarked recently that it’s coming along quite well, so perhaps we’ll finally see an update at the Xbox showcase.

Game Pass Price Hike Announcement

Another more unfortunate rumor doing the rounds is that of Game Pass getting a price hike. The Verge’s Tom Warren reported on it. Xbox president Sarah Bond would then confirm Activision’s titles coming to the service on day one. Even more rumors surfaced afterwards, with insider NateDrake claiming that new tiers are coming. There will also allegedly be changes in “the form of pricing and a tier change.” Regardless of those plans, a Game Pass price increase seems inevitable, especially given how subscriber counts haven’t been soaring lately.

Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date Announcement

The best part about so many upcoming events is that Hollow Knight: Silksong could appear at almost anyone. That ups the chances of a potential new trailer and maybe a release date announcement. Does that mean multiple chances to be disappointed as well? Sure, but with the title rated in South Korea, Australia and the US, it would be weird to get nothing in return. Either way, it’s been over five years since the announcement trailer, Team Cherry. Just…please, anything.

Borderlands 4 Reveal

2K Games confirmed that Borderlands 4 was in active development after Gearbox’s acquisition by Take-Two but rumors were already claiming that it saw a shake-up in leadership. The publishing label confirmed a reveal for the “next iteration” in one of its “biggest and most beloved franchises” at Summer Game Fest. Potential Borderlands 4 announcement and gameplay? It would be the safe bet, for sure.

Mafia 4 Announcement

However, there’s also a chance it could be Hanger 13’s long-rumored Mafia 4. Leaker Kurakasis claimed last month that Take-Two had begun “preparations for an announcement regarding the Mafia series.” Allegedly developed on Unreal Engine 5 and serving as a prequel to the series with Don Salieri as the protagonist, it could be the big reveal for Summer Game Fest.

Sonic X Shadow Generations Announcement

Sega is confirmed as a partner for Summer Game Fest, and while there’s plenty it could discuss, news on Sonic X Shadow Generations seems likely. The remaster, features a new campaign starring Shadow the Hedgehog. A new trailer and release date seems likely.

Sonic Heroes Remake Announcement

While Sonic X Shadow Generations may be the main attraction, Sega could announce another remake in the series. According to Nintendo Universe, it’s Sonic Heroes, allegedly developed on Unreal Engine 5 for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Whether Summer Game Fest is the place or not, it would garner the most attention.

Metro 4 Reveal

While a prequel to Metro 2033 sounds great, some fans were doubtless disappointed that Metro Awakening is a VR-exclusive title. Perhaps to quell some of that, publisher Deep Silver confirmed that “development continues separately at 4A Games on the next mainline installment of the Metro series.” Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson reported last year in February that it was “well into development” and “fully playable.” Even if Deep Silver reveals the release date for Awakening at Summer Game Fest (where it’s a partner), it wouldn’t be odd to see Metro 4 get a short teaser.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gameplay Reveal

The developer has confirmed updates on its major releases for this year, including Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Star Wars Outlaws. With pre-orders and various details for the former out in the wild, it seems a given that there will be a gameplay showcase. If coincidence isn’t enough, Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson outright reported this would be the case, with hands-on impressions going live on June 12th.

Valve’s Deadlock

Between all the leaked screenshots, gameplay and details, it feels like Valve is gearing up to announce Deadlock. The alleged 6v6 hero shooter is in the alpha stage and features 19 characters, with the usual MOBA roles of tanks, healers and damage dealers. While no release windows have circulated, there’s every possibility that Valve drops the announcement out of nowhere and opens up registrations for a closed alpha.

Monster Hunter Wilds – New Gameplay and Release Window

When discussing predictions, Monster Hunter Wilds getting some gameplay and a possible release window is probably the safest bet. The developer already confirmed new details this Summer, and as a partner at Summer Game Fest, it only makes sense to at least provide a trailer. It could then tout more information at the next Showcase or a Monster Hunter Wilds Digital Event later in June. It makes too much sense not to happen.

Kingdom Hearts 4 New Trailer

As odd as it seems, Kingdom Hearts 4 could appear in the upcoming Summer showcases, though which one is the question. Leaker Daniel Richtman recently revealed that it would launch sometime next year. If that’s the case, an upcoming reveal doesn’t sound too far fetched, especially with the Kingdom Hearts series recently becoming available on Steam.

Wonder Woman Update

Among the many publishers confirmed for the Summer Game Fest is WB Games. We haven’t heard anything about Monolith Productions’ Wonder Woman since December 2021 – outside of the publisher denying it’s a live-service title and a job listing for WB Games Montreal revealing that it’s supporting development. Perhaps this year’s showcase could finally be the time, especially if Warner Bros. Discovery wants a big release for the fiscal year.

Starfield: Shattered Space Reveal and Release Date

Starfield’s first paid expansion, Shattered Space, was already confirmed to launch this year and receive new details. However, The Verge’s Tom Warren reported that it would not only appear at the Xbox Games Showcase but receive a release date (allegedly for September). Redditors also spotted references in its May update video to House Var’uun, a faction that didn’t appear in the base game but whom one of your companions follows. Whatever its nature, expect it to appear all the same.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Release Date

Likewise, there’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Microsoft’s next big first-party title coming this year. MachineGames’ action-adventure is reportedly launching in December, per The Verge, so some new gameplay and an announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase seems a given.

Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra Trailer

This one’s a bit of a wildcard, not only because Skydance New Media showcased in-game scenes during the State of Unreal at GDC in March, but also because it has a 2025 release window. The developer isn’t listed for Summer Game Fest, though the next round of partners could contain its name. If so, perhaps there will be gameplay and the announcement of platforms.

New Xbox Hardware Announcement

Other first-party games allegedly coming to PS5, potential Game Pass price hikes – Microsoft has a lot on its plate, rumors-wise. However, one confirmed bit is that it will unveil “some exciting stuff coming out in hardware.” It’s unlikely to be the next Xbox, which Microsoft touts as delivering “the largest technical leap” in a generation, but maybe it’s the rumored mid-gen refresh leaked in documents during its FTC trial. Perhaps it’s the new all-digital white Xbox Series X, whose images have been circulating. Whatever it may be, an announcement at the Xbox Games Showcase would make sense.

Crimson Desert New Trailer and Release Window

Remember Crimson Desert, Black Desert developer Pearl Abyss’s ambitious single-player action RPG? It seems that development is complete, and marketing reportedly will kick off in the coming months, per leaker Lunatic Ignus. Targeting a Q1 2025 release, there’s every chance it could appear at Summer Game Fest, especially since its first trailer was at The Game Awards 2020.

Resident Evil 9 Announcement

Pragmata may be in limbo, but it could be gearing up to reveal the next mainline Resident Evil. Reportedly launching in January 2025 per leaker Dusk Golem, it allegedly has the series’ largest development time frame and budget. None of that will stop it from being a monster success, and though it could be unveiled at Summer Game Fest, it wouldn’t be remiss to see it appear during Sony’s rumored PlayStation Showcase.

Dragon Age: Dreadwolf Gameplay and Release Date

BioWare and Electronic Arts confirmed a full reveal for Dragon Age: Dreadwolf in Summer 2024, and based on reports by Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb, a new trailer could drop around Summer Game Fest. Even more interestingly, it’s seemingly launching this year. The publisher revealed recently that it has two “unannounced” titles releasing this fiscal year, with Grubb noting that Dreadwolf is one of them. Whether it arrives this year remains to be seen. For now, we just want to see some extended gameplay.

Splinter Cell Remake Update

Announced in 2021, Splinter Cell remake could be due for…something at Forward. There’s not much to go on, save for the developer changing its Facebook page header and profile picture to Sam Fisher’s signature NV goggles, but you never know. As for the nature of the reveal, your guess is as good as ours.

New Ghost Recon Reveal

Then there’s the next Ghost Recon, rumored way back in 2022 and allegedly launching in 2025 or 2026. Codenamed Project Over, it’s reportedly a first-person shooter, per Insider Gaming’s Tom Henderson. If the Splinter Cell remake could get an update at Forward, the next Ghost Recon seems just as possible.

“We are moving full speed ahead on our next-generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation,” she said. This echoes comments from February when Microsoft unveiled its multi-platform strategy for select first-party titles. While Bond has previously stated that the company is “invested in the next-generation roadmap”, she’s also promised some “exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we’re going to share this holiday.”

The latter could be the rumored all-digital Xbox Series X. Leaked images surfaced recently of a white variant with no disc drive, reportedly out between June and July and retailing for $50 to $100 cheaper than the current model. With Microsoft rumored to host its annual Xbox showcase on June 9th, it could announce the new console there.

As for the next-gen Xbox, unredacted internal documents leaked during its trial with the FTC last year, indicating a potential hybrid cloud console. Nothing is official, of course, and it may be a while before an announcement, so stay tuned for updates.

Microsoft Wanted to Spend “Sony Out of Business”

Several previously confidential documents and emails have come to light, including Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty telling CFO Tim Stuart in 2019 that the company was in a “very unique position to be able to go spend Sony out of business.” He also acknowledged Sony as “the only other player who could compete with Game Pass, and we have a 2-year and 10 million subs lead.”

Google at the time was cited as being “3-4 years away from being able to have a studio up and running” (and we know how that turned out) while Amazon had “shown no ability to execute on game content” (harsh but true at the time). The email is argued to be old and referring to “industry trends” that were never pursued or are “unrelated to the acquisition,” but it certainly showcases the mindset back then.

Microsoft Listed Sega, Bungie, Square Enix and More for Acquisition

One bit that wasn’t refuted is how Microsoft had a list of potential other acquisition targets in 2020, which included Sega and Bungie. These were part of a “consideration” set based on Game Pass and Steam data and included studios like Larian, Team Cherry, FromSoftware, CD Projekt, Remedy Entertainment and more. It even listed companies like Nintendo, Sony, DeNA, Square Enix and even Sony for bolstering its “mobile footprint.”

While it did filter out some names, including those with acquisition prices over $20 billion, Square Enix looked to be part of a separate acquisition in 2019. It was internally referred to as “Project Phoenix” and would see the publisher’s Western-developed titles – which eventually went to Embracer – acquired in addition to franchises like Final Fantasy, Kingdom Hearts and so on. It would have strengthened Microsoft’s Japan presence and even kept those titles off of PlayStation, but obviously, it didn’t go through.

Project Dragon Exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC

Among the many projects in development at IO Interactive is a new fantasy RPG called Project Dragon. Initially rumored to be exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC, it was discovered in emails during the hearing that it’s only coming to Microsoft’s console (at least at launch). Probably not the craziest news, especially since very little has been revealed about the project. However, given that it’s not out until post-April 2025, at the very least, receiving confirmation now without any official announcement is pretty insane.

Indiana Jones was Previously Multi-Platform, Now Exclusive to Xbox and PC

MachineGames’ upcoming Indiana Jones title will also be exclusive to Xbox Series X/S and PC. However, considering its announcement before ZeniMax’s acquisition by Microsoft, something has to give. Sure enough, Bethesda’s SVP of global marketing and communications, Pete Hines, confirmed to the FTC’s lawyers that the original deal with Disney was to release the title on “multiple consoles.”

The deal was amended after Bethesda was acquired, turning it into an Xbox exclusive (also releasing day one on Game Pass). Hines said, in his view, that it was about “reducing risk and trying to get to a degree of certainty. You’re dealing with a licensor who’s going to have a ton of feedback on what you’re making, add a lot of time to your schedule, and you’re required to provide a release window. You immediately have a clock that’s ticking. We liked the idea of bringing it to Game Pass and all the players we could reach there.”

The Outer Worlds 2 on PlayStation Still Undecided

There is a bit of a twist in the exclusivity tale. The Outer Worlds 2, announced by Obsidian Entertainment in 2021 for Xbox Series X/S and PC, is undecided on PlayStation. It follows the FTC asking if a title like The Outer Worlds, which has an existing community on PlayStation, would be exclusive to Xbox. Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty said that a “decision has not been made” about this but that Microsoft is committed to communities for existing titles on other platforms. So far, as seen with Minecraft, it’s held up that part of the bargain.

Xbox Losing Console Wars Since 2021

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has spoken before about Xbox’s current position in the console wars. However, in Microsoft’s document to the FTC, it outright admitted that it lost the console wars and has been losing since PlayStation and Nintendo consoles outsold the original Xbox in 2001 by a “significant margin.” In terms of current console revenue and installed customer base, Xbox has a 21 percent share. While the shares for PlayStation and Nintendo were redacted, Xbox was established as firmly in third place.

The Last of Us Part 2 and Horizon Forbidden West Budgets Revealed

Sony also revealed some documents and, unfortunately, it didn’t redact them properly. Before being pulled, the documents revealed that The Last of Us Part 2 cost $220 million to develop with 200 employees working full-time. Horizon Forbidden West had over 300 employees and cost $212 million. It also revealed that global marketing costs for triple-A titles were large in addition to the development costs, which makes you wonder about the total money spent.

Next Console Generation Expected to Start in 2028

While rumours have floated about a PS5 Pro coming next year in December, Microsoft believes that the next generation of consoles will begin in 2028. It didn’t confirm that a new Xbox was on the way or that Sony has the PlayStation 6 up its sleeve – just that the “expected starting period” for the next generation is 2028. That would mean an eight-year life cycle for Xbox Series X/S and PS5, which launched in November 2020 – not too shabby.

PlayStation Not Against Starfield’s Xbox Exclusivity

PlayStation has been swearing up and down about the popularity of Call of Duty on its consoles, but it’s not exactly worried about Bethesda’s Starfield being exclusive. Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Jim Ryan testified that he didn’t like Redfall (which makes two of us) or Starfield as exclusives, but also didn’t think it’s “anti-competitive.” Then again, he did expect those titles to be multi-platform since “pretty much every other Bethesda game” fell into that category before Microsoft acquired the studio.

Microsoft Acquired Bethesda to Avoid Starfield Being PS5-Exclusive

Before Microsoft acquired ZeniMax and its studios, Sony was reportedly in talks to make Starfield a timed exclusive for its consoles. Phil Spencer lent some credibility to those reports, stating, “When we acquired ZeniMax, one of the impetus for that is that Sony had done a deal for Deathloop and Ghostwire…to pay Bethesda to not ship those games on Xbox.”

When Microsoft heard that Starfield could also skip Xbox at launch, Spencer said, “We can’t be in a position as a third-place console where we fall further behind on our content ownership, so we’ve had to secure content to remain viable in the business.” So there you have it – part of the reason for acquiring ZeniMax was to ensure Starfield didn’t end up exclusive (timed or otherwise) to PS5, further emphasizing its importance as a title.

The Elder Scrolls 6 is “Five-Plus” Years Away

With Starfield being important to Xbox, it seemed a given that The Elder Scrolls 6 would crop up at some point during the hearings. Microsoft’s Phil Spencer said it’s “many years away”, making it “difficult for us right now to nail down exactly what platforms that game will launch on.” So, for now, there’s still hope that it comes to PlayStation.

Perhaps more interesting is that he expects it’s likely “five-plus” years from release. Of course, that means it could launch in 2028 at the earliest and perhaps even later. So if you expected any news on the title (aside from it potentially being Todd Howard’s last game in the series as director), the wait continues.

Jim Ryan and Bobby Kotick Not in Favor of Game Pass

One thing is for sure – neither Jim Ryan nor Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick are fans of Game Pass. The former said after speaking to “all publishers,” they “unanimously do not like Game Pass because it’s value-destructive. I talk to publishers all the time, and this is a very commonly held view over many years by the publishers.”

Kotick also doesn’t approve multi-game subscription services but also can’t do anything about it if the acquisition goes through. “I don’t agree with the idea of a multi-game subscription service as a business proposition going forwards.” However, he acknowledged that Activision and Microsoft could “agree to disagree” (perhaps due to the reported $390 million he’ll receive from company shares if the deal goes through).

Kotick Regrets Not Supporting Nintendo Switch

Speaking of Kotick’s other regrets (not including various alleged scandals at Activision Blizzard), he feels bad about not releasing Call of Duty on the Nintendo Switch. It was considered but didn’t happen due to “bad judgement.” “When I saw a prototype of the Switch, it was different. I thought the Wii was the most extraordinary video game system ever created. When I saw Switch prototypes, I was concerned. They were trying to accomplish a lot. I didn’t think it was going to be successful,” said Kotick. But hey, at least he’ll “consider it” in the future if this acquisition doesn’t go through (barring any supposed lack of resources).

Kotick Believes Next Nintendo Console is About as Powerful as Xbox One/PS4

Kotick also revealed “active talks” with Nintendo about its next-generation console. He said it would likely be equivalent to the hardware in the PS4 and Xbox One. Of course, it’s not an outright confirmation that the Switch 2 is real, but just the fact that talks for a new Nintendo console were happening, especially given the years of rumors, is something. Right?

Kotick Demanded Higher Revenue Share for Call of Duty on Xbox

Hilariously, in the early days of the Xbox Series X/S, Kotick threatened to remove Call of Duty from Microsoft’s consoles altogether. The reason? A higher revenue share, as testified by Xbox corporate vice president Sarah Bond. “It was clear that Call of Duty would be on PS5, and that would not have been good if it was not also on Xbox if it was launching at the same time. It was clear if we did not move beyond the standard revenue share, he would not place Call of Duty on Xbox,” said Bond.

This led to Microsoft agreeing to an 80/20 revenue split (the standard practice is 70/30). It only adds more fuel to the rumors that Kotick is out if the acquisition goes through. As always, time will tell.

Microsoft Expects PS5 Slim Later This Year

The next generation of gaming consoles may start after the next five years or so, but Microsoft believes Sony is launching a new PS5 later this year. Recent court documents saw it claim, “PlayStation likewise sells a less expensive Digital Edition for $399.99 and is expected to release a PlayStation Slim later this year at the same reduced price point.” It also believes that its “handheld version of the PlayStation 5”, likely referring to Project Q, is coming this year and costing less than $300.

There have been rumors of a PS5 with a detachable disc drive that will replace the current model. It allegedly entered production last April and will launch in September, while the present model will reportedly cease production by Holiday 2023. Sony hasn’t officially confirmed either of these things, and Microsoft didn’t specify whether this new model is the PS5 Slim they’re talking about, so we’ll have to wait and see.

This comment isn’t to confirm that the next generation of consoles will launch by then (if the “expected” part wasn’t a dead giveaway). Regarding its commitment to Call of Duty titles to release on PlayStation platforms for the next ten years, Microsoft said, “This term would, in any case, go beyond the expected starting period of the next generation of consoles (in 2028).

“Thus, Call of Duty will be published on successor PlayStation consoles should one be released during the term of the agreement. The agreement also would ensure that Call of Duty console games are offered on PlayStation at parity with Xbox.”

This is to counter Sony’s statement about losing access to Call of Duty “and other Activision titles” by the time it  by 2027. As such, Sony hasn’t revealed plans to release a new PlayStation console, though there are rumors of a PS5 with a detachable Blu-ray disc drive and the PS5 Pro launching in Holiday 2024.

SIE president Jim Ryan said in April to the FTC that the company can’t reveal details about its next console to Activision if the acquisition passes. It remains to be seen if parity with the Xbox versions would be possible in those circumstances.

Microsoft’s gearing up for what it’s called it’s biggest E3 show ever. The 2019 Xbox E3 briefing begins in a matter of minutes, at 1 PM PT/4 PM ET, and you can keep up with it live, and catch all the news and latest announcements in the livestream below.  You can expect the show to be roughly two hours long.

Gears 5 has been confirmed to make an appearance, while we can probably expect to see Halo Infinite too. As far as third party games are concerned, we know Cyberpunk 2077 and Borderlands 3 will have E3 2019 showings- and with Sony not attending the show, Microsoft’s press event remains the only option to them (and others like them, who don’t have their own shows).

Beyond what’s officially confirmed, there’s been plenty of leaks about what we can expect to see (which may or may not end up being accurate, of course, as is the case with any leak). From Ninja Theory’s new game, to Fable 4, to FromSoftware’s new game called Elden Ring, to Tales of Arise, and plenty more, there’s a lot that we might end up seeing in the coming couple of hours.

https://youtu.be/zeYQ-kPF0iQ