Xbox's Confidential Plans and Leaks: Phil Spencer Responds

Politics, News Sept. 20, 2023, 11:10 p.m.

Confidential Xbox and Microsoft documents, including acquisition considerations and future plans, leaked online. Xbox head Phil Spencer addressed the issue, stating that leaked information is outdated, and plans have evolved.

Earlier today, a substantial amount of confidential Xbox and Microsoft documents, including emails, developmental strategies, and internal insights, were inadvertently leaked online. Notable revelations from the leak include Xbox's contemplation of acquiring both Nintendo and Warner Bros. Games at some point, plans for an Xbox Series X/S refresh in the upcoming year, potential remasters of classic titles like Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, and Microsoft's intentions to launch a next-generation hybrid console by 2028.

Following this breach, it was discovered that Microsoft had unintentionally disclosed unredacted confidential documents to federal courts, causing widespread confusion online. Xbox head Phil Spencer swiftly addressed the situation on Twitter, and a more comprehensive memo was subsequently obtained by The Verge, which was circulated among Xbox staff.

In both the internal communication to Xbox employees and the public statement on Twitter, Spencer emphasized that the leaked materials and emails are outdated, and plans have evolved since then. He reassured that the team would unveil "the authentic plans" when they are ready. While he cannot confirm the accuracy of the leaked information, his statements serve as a reminder to approach the disclosed details with caution, as it is highly likely that these plans have since undergone significant changes.