Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard appears to have more surprises in store than initially thought, according to recently leaked court documents. The internal documents, which were part of a court case with the US Federal Trade Commission, reveal a list of unannounced video games that Microsoft had planned for release in the coming years. The documents, dated July 2020, were produced by Microsoft in relation to its acquisition of game developer and publisher Bethesda.
The leaked game release schedule covers the years 2020 through 2024 and includes both games that have already been released and those that are yet to launch. Among the already released titles mentioned are Doom Eternal, Deathloop, Fallout 76, Starfield, Redfall, and Ghostwire: Tokyo. However, many of these games were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other factors.
The schedule also reveals upcoming games and expansions that have been announced but have not yet launched. These include expansions for Elder Scrolls Online, an upcoming Elder Scrolls 6 game, and an untitled Indiana Jones game. However, the most intriguing part of the leaked document is the inclusion of several games that have not been announced at all.
The leaked list mentions a new Doom game, Dishonored 3, and a sequel to Ghostwire: Tokyo. The target release window for the new Doom game is set before the end of fiscal year 2023, while Dishonored 3 and the Ghostwire: Tokyo sequel were planned for release in fiscal year 2024.
The document also hints at remasters of games like The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and Fallout 3. The Oblivion remaster was slated for a 2022 release, but it is unclear whether it has been canceled or delayed. The Fallout 3 remaster is listed for a 2024 release.
In addition to these projects, the document includes references to several games only identified by codenames, such as Project Hibiki, Project Kestrel, and Project Platinum. It is not clear whether these projects are still in development or if they have been canceled or delayed.
Another mention in the leaked document is a Licensed IP Game, which refers to a game based on existing characters and stories licensed to ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda. This licensed game project was planned for release before the end of 2024.
While it is important to note that the leaked document is more than three years old, and plans may have changed since then, it provides insights into the projects Microsoft had in the pipeline at the time of the acquisition. Some of these games may still be released on Microsoft’s platforms, although the release windows may have shifted.
It is worth mentioning that the leaked document was drafted before Microsoft acquired ZeniMax Media, the company behind Bethesda. Therefore, it is possible that some of the projects listed in the document have been canceled or altered since the acquisition.
Overall, the leaked court documents have unveiled an extensive list of unannounced video games, expansions, remasters, and mysterious projects that were under development or planned at the time of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. While the document’s age and potential changes should be taken into account, it provides an exciting glimpse into the future of Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.
