Xbox has had an interesting few months as they have attempted to navigate a lot of backlash and confusion after confirming their exploration of bringing some of their exclusive games to other platforms. The future of Xbox is uncertain, but also incredibly exciting, and based on leaked emails from Xbox President Sarah Bond, the next few years for Xbox will be intriguing to see unfold.
In a story written up on Windows Central by trusted Xbox insider Jez Corden, Sarah Bond sent out a mass email to employees discussing a few key topics. In the email that was obtained by Windows Central and confirmed by Microsoft to be legitimate, Sarah Bond stated:
It’s been nearly six months since we came together as an organization. Our collective achievements in that timeframe are tremendous. Everyone should feel incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved and excited about the opportunities ahead, We are moving full speed ahead on our next generation hardware, focused on delivering the biggest technological leap ever in a generation.
Later in the email, Bond discussed integrating Activision-Blizzard-King into Xbox services like Game Pass and noted that:
We are integrating Activision Blizzard King titles into our services — we launched Diablo IV into Game Pass, and Xbox has quickly become the #1 platform for D4 players...we are integrating with Battle.net, all while launching CoD: Warzone Mobile and preparing for the upcoming Hellblade II, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.”
Bond also touches on their dedication to preserving games and thinking about backward and forwards compatibility. She announces in the email that she has created a team dedicated to game preservation and that they are committed to bringing Xbox games forward to future generations.
A lot of this was known and expected but should be welcome news to any Xbox fans who have felt a little anxious about the future of Xbox hardware or games based on recent discussions about Xbox’s future in the industry. It is abundantly clear, despite a lot of concerns, Xbox isn’t planning to abandon their hardware and seems to be doubling down on it instead of pulling back.
Xbox is still in the process of integrating ABK into the wider Xbox umbrella, and Diablo 4 quickly becoming most played on Xbox due to Game Pass is a nice example of early success from the merger. Xbox is reportedly holding their annual summer showcase on June 9th, and with the upcoming slate of games, hardware, and platform news that could be announced, it is shaping up to be an important event for Xbox and the fanbase alike.
