Cloud-native MMO no longer Xbox exclusive, according to journalist

A cloud-based MMO developed by Finland-based studio Mainframe is no longer planned as an Xbox exclusive, it has been claimed.

Speaking on the GamesBeat Decides podcast, Jeff Grubb, who had previously reported for VentureBeat that the game would live primarily in remote servers, said that he believes the game is no longer being published by Xbox Game Studios.

“…it raised $23 million, not from Microsoft… and as part of that deal, from my understanding, they backed off of that agreement or any potential agreements with Microsoft, and this game will probably come out as a multi-platform game.”

He goes on to say that “It sounds to me like one was played off the other to try to increase the amount of money they might get here, and Microsoft was part of that…”

The game will reportedly feature mechanics that scale in terms of complexity, meaning players might find it convenient to craft or resource farm on their phone before engaging in more complex tasks like raids on their console or computer.

“Mainframe was formed by veteran developers in Helsinki and Reykjavík,” according to the studio’s website. “We’re creating a cloud-native MMO, a vibrant world with new ways to engage and connect with our friends.

“It’s the game of a lifetime,” it adds.

In July, Xbox Game Studios appointed Portal and Left 4 Dead designer Kim Swift as senior director of cloud gaming, reportedly with a view to helping bring a Hideo Kojima game to fruition.

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Xbox has reportedly moved closer to signing a new Hideo Kojima game

Negotiations between Microsoft and the Metal Gear Solid creator said to be at an advanced stage

Kojima has previously expressed a desire to explore a “new format of game” enabled by cloud platforms, and Microsoft is said to be in advanced talks about publishing a new game from the Metal Gear Solid creator.

At the time of Swift’s appointment, Xbox Game Studios publishing head Peter Wyse told Polygon Microsoft planned to create “cloud-native games” accessible to players who don’t own a console or PC. “We don’t know exactly what that looks like today, or what that even plays like,” he said.

“Kim is going to build a team focused on new experiences in the cloud, something that’s going to support our mission of bringing our Xbox games to connect three billion gamers to play our games.”