Internet explosion ahoy. Breaking news from industry leak minefield NeoGAF covers several major Xbox One reveals (yet to be revealed), opening up a window into Microsoft’s near future plans for the system’s software schedule.
The leak comes courtesy of ntkrnl, a reputed leaker who is in the know for all things Microsoft. NeoGAF staff have vouched for the leaker’s authenticity, and while we at RC cannot fully confirm the leak as legitimate, we’ve very strong reason to believe all information contained within is accurate.
So, without further ado…
Leak #1: Halo 2 Anniversary for Xbox One
You might recall Microsoft talking up a Halo title for Xbox One this year. Most folk assumed this was Halo 5. Apparently this is not the case. The leaker asserts that following in the footsteps of the Xbox 360’s Halo: Combat Evolve Anniversary is Halo 2 Anniversary, a similarly souped up title for Xbox One. Fans can expect a typical remake, and the title will include “ALL SORTS OF SHIT” (sic), according to the leaker. Additionally, the remake will be once be handled by Saber Interactive and Certain Affinity, the two studios who played a major hand in Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Halo 2 Anniversary will apparently launch November 11 this year.
Leak #2: Halo 5 in 2015, a beta, and live actionshow
Tied to the above, Halo 5 will not be launching in 2014, despite a tease from Microsoft last year at E3 2013, and speculation that the series would continue twelve months into the launch of the Xbox One. That being said, a Halo 5 beta is apparently on the way, and we would not be surprised to see it tied to the release of Halo 2 Anniversary. Finally, some live action Halo show is in the works, unrelated to to the previously announced Steven Spielberg project.
Leak #3: Crackdown 3
Yep, according to the leaker a third title in the Crackdown series is on the way. Who’s developing it? We don’t know. Supposedly an announcement is unlikely to be made at E3 2014, as the game is still some ways away, targeting a 2016 release.
Leak #4: Black Tusk’s project was “Shangheist”, now on Gears of War
Not so much of a leak as extrapolation of existing news. We know Black Tusk were working on a new franchise, and we now know Microsoft acquired full rights to Epic’s Gears of War franchise, which Black Tusk are now working on. The leaker asserts their original franchise was codenamed Shangheist, and the project was put on hold in favour of Gears of War very recently. Black Tusk’s Gears of War is likely to release holiday 2016.
Leak #5: Forza Horizon 2
More Forza, wider horizons. Forza Horizon 2 will apparently feature a “super sexy weather system” and a lot of social/co-op stuff. All the while running at 1080p and offering full open world gameplay. The leaker claims it is due this year, likely September.
Leak #6: Release dates for Fable Legends, Quantum Break, and Sunset Overdrive
Quick and dirty! Fable Legends is on track for a release around June-August 2015. Remedy’s Quantum Break is aiming for September-November 2014. Insomniac’s Sunset Overdrive is too looking to release around September-November this year.
UPDATE: More leaks!
Leak #7: Halo 5 beta details, and two versions of Halo 2: Anniversary, including Halo 3 and Halo 4 ports
More is learned regarding the aforementioned Halo 5 beta. It will run throughout December, include 6-8 maps, 2 arena maps, and 2 forge maps. Indeed, the beta will be available to purchasers of the Halo 2 Anniversary Collectors Edition pack. But that’s not all. The leaker claims around the same time will launch a “War Collection” pack, which also includes Halo 3 and Halo 4 ports to Xbox One. That’s a lot of Halo for the end of the year.
Leak #8: Platinum Games for Xbox One
Action game veterans Platinum Games apparently working on an exclusive under the codename “Project Nagano”, aimed at a launch around March 2016. What is it exactly? We don’t know.
Leak #9: And this bundle
