Microsoft says major Xbox leak consists of ‘old emails and documents’

Microsoft’s head of gaming has acknowledged a major leak which has revealed a host of confidential details about its gaming business.

Documents published on a court website as part of Microsoft’s legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) potentially laid bare key elements of the company’s gaming strategy for years to come, including plans for unannounced console hardware and games.

Addressing widespread coverage of the confidential materials, Xbox boss Phil Spencer claimed “so much has changed” since the emails and documents in question were written or created.

“We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents,” he tweeted. “It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.”

We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) September 19, 2023

Following the leak, the judge in the FTC’s case against Microsoft, Jacqueline Scott Corley, said the Xbox maker had inadvertently provided the court with a link to the unredacted documents, which it then uploaded to the internet page established for the case before the mistake was spotted and they were removed.

The leaked documents included the following revelations:

• Microsoft is planning to release a redesigned Xbox Series X console, codenamed ‘Brooklin’, with a new design and controller.
• Microsoft‘s gaming boss Phil Spencer told colleagues in 2020 that he saw Nintendo as a key acquisition target.
• Unannounced Bethesda games include Dishonored 3, a new Doom, Oblivion and Fallout 3 remasters, and a trilogy of Indiana Jones games.
• The next evolution of the Xbox controller will have improved haptic feedback, an accelerometer, speakers and a rechargable and replaceable battery.
• Microsoft seemingly plans to harness the power of cloud processing in its next-gen Xbox console, which could launch in 2028.
• Microsoft plans to let players customise the appearance of Xbox Series X consoles in the future.
• Microsoft assessed a range of third-party options to fill “a huge hole” in its line-up caused by Starfield’s delay, including potentially paying $300 million to get Star Wars Jedi: Survivor on Game Pass at launch.

Spencer also commented on the leak in greater detail in an email sent to Microsoft employees on Tuesday, which was obtained by The Verge.

“Today, several documents submitted in the court proceedings related to our proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard were unintentionally disclosed. I know this is disappointing, even if many of the documents are well over a year old and our plans have evolved,” he wrote.

“I also know we all take the confidentiality of our plans and our partners’ information very seriously. This leak obviously is not us living up to that expectation. We will learn from what happened and be better going forward.

Further reading

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Microsoft’s refreshed Xbox Series X console, ‘Brooklin’, has leaked

The new console will include a new controller and design and release next year

“We all put incredible amounts of passion and energy into our work, and this is never how we want that hard work to be shared with the community. That said, there’s so much more to be excited about, and when we’re ready, we’ll share the real plans with our players.

“In closing, I appreciate all of the work that you pour into Team Xbox to surprise and delight our players. In the days and weeks ahead, let’s stay focused on what we can control: continuing the amazing success of Starfield, the upcoming launch of the incredible and accessible Forza Motorsport, and continuing to build games, services and devices that millions of players can enjoy.”