According to a leaked Microsoft document, the future Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could potentially run games from all previous generations of the console.
According to a leaked Microsoft document, the future Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, could potentially run games from all previous generations of the console.
This document, obtained by Tom Warren from The Verge, was sent to game studios and publishers to present the idea. The company's goal is to make Project Helix officially capable of running titles from the Xbox (original), Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and S series. If this plan is implemented, Project Helix will gain a massive game library, as retrocompatible titles will coexist with games developed specifically for the new console. Furthermore, the new Xbox model could run PC games if support for that category is confirmed.
However, implementing this plan is not straightforward. Microsoft reached out to studios because it requires their consent to enable Project Helix to work with older generation games. It can be assumed that studios will accept the idea if an attractive financial compensation is offered. Nevertheless, this process is not simple, as such permissions usually pertain to each game individually, and there may be costs associated with technical adaptation.
This point highlights an important detail: there is a high probability that retrocompatible games will only be available in digital format, as there is no certainty yet about Project Helix supporting physical media. According to The Verge, games for Xbox One and Xbox Series can be converted via a 'Disc-to-Digital' program proposed by Microsoft, which would not require extra effort from the studios. In contrast, titles from series such as original Xbox and Xbox 360 may require technical effort to achieve retrocompatibility, meaning each game on these consoles will likely need to be considered individually for this purpose.
The decision remains to be seen, but the author believes the most likely scenario will be a 'middle ground,' where retrocompatibility is provided for certain games due to technical and negotiation aspects, rather than for all.
For those who own an Xbox One or Xbox Series X and wish to enrich their game collection, three options currently on sale on Amazon have been selected. These offers cover various styles, from epic shooter games and intense cooperative experiences to classic LEGO titles.
One highlight is Halo Infinite for Xbox One and Xbox Series X, which revives the traditional spirit of the franchise. It features an open-world campaign set in Zeta Ring, along with a well-structured free multiplayer mode. The physical version of this game includes an exclusive deck, making it appealing to both enthusiasts and collectors of the series.
Another mentioned title is Back 4 Blood, developed by the same creators as Left 4 Dead. This game proposes an intense cooperative experience against swarms of infected, supporting up to four players online. It features a card system that alters the course of matches, offering a wide range of characters and abilities for long sessions of fun.
Finally, The Lego Movie Videogame, released in 2014 and based on the animated film, was well-received for blending the typical humor of LEGO games with the movie's story. It represents a fun and economical alternative for family gaming, featuring levels inspired by the settings of Emmett's universe and all the characters from the film.
Due to variations in physical game stock, it is recommended to check availability immediately if any of these titles spark interest. Readers are encouraged to visit the links, check the conditions on Amazon, and take advantage of the chance to expand their libraries.
Asha Sharma, CEO of Xbox, released an internal memo to employees outlining the company's future objectives. Among the proposed goals is the ambition to reach 500 million daily players by 2030, starting from the current base of 100 million users.
The company's strategy involves strengthening Xbox consoles, expanding its franchises globally, and reinforcing Minecraft as a creator-dedicated platform, with projected growth until the end of the 2027 fiscal year. This move aims to intensify rivalry against PlayStation by consolidating exclusive titles and improving consoles, following a period focused on cloud gaming services and cross-platform play.
The memo was sent by Sharma on Thursday, July 30, serving to reassure internal teams after a cycle of mass layoffs that occurred at the beginning of the month. The document, accessed via The Verge website, also mentioned that 3,200 layoffs were announced in early July, affecting Microsoft's games division, including studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, and removing names such as Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory from the group.
Xbox management, as inferred from the memo, seeks to resume direct confrontation with PlayStation, its main competitor in the video game sector. While the company's previous approach prioritized cloud gaming and multi-screen compatibility, the new focus is on bolstering proprietary consoles and exclusive titles.
Historically, Sony has dominated this market, recording almost three times more total PS5 sales compared to Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. Additionally, PlayStation invests heavily in its exclusive catalog, while Microsoft opted to distribute its franchises across multiple systems, some of which function on PS5.
Recent financial results suggest challenges for Microsoft. According to data reported by The Times of India, Xbox's last accounting profit margin was 3%, contrasting with PlayStation's 9.9% and Nintendo's 16%, another major company focused on consoles and exclusives. Sharma's goal is to achieve similar financial levels in the next fiscal year.
The recent staff reductions have caused apprehension among studios acquired by Xbox. Important titles under the company's umbrella include Call of Duty, Diablo, and Fallout, as well as classics like Minecraft and Candy Crush. The intention is to boost these games to increase the player base in the coming years.
Sharma stated that three of these franchises generate annual profits of US$ 1 billion (equivalent to R$ 5.08 billion) each, although she did not specify which ones. The growth projection also covers the expansion of these brands beyond the gaming universe, through audiovisual productions, commercial partnerships, and licensed products.
Since taking the helm in February, Asha Sharma has already signaled a more aggressive stance for Xbox Game Pass, the main bet of Phil Spencer's management. Through more competitive pricing, the initial expectation is an increase in the number of users, with a forecast of 200 million new players during the 2026 fiscal year.
This represents only the first phase of the plan presented by Sharma. The subsequent plan involves both increasing the number of players and strengthening consoles and franchises to raise revenue. The third and final step is focusing on audience engagement to achieve the goal of 500 million daily active users on Xbox platforms.
