New updates from the Microsoft and FTC court proceedings indicate that the upcoming game, Project Fantasy, is planned to be an exclusive for Xbox. The ongoing trial, which commenced last week, has been a highly anticipated event in the ongoing Microsoft-Activision Blizzard acquisition saga. Valued at almost $70 billion, this controversial purchase has faced numerous obstacles since its initial announcement by Microsoft. The latest report also provides fans with additional details about a game being developed by IO Interactive. Earlier this year, IO Interactive introduced Project Fantasy as a bold new venture for the studio, renowned for its Hitman series. While specific information about the fantasy game has been scarce, job listings from IO Interactive confirmed that it would be an "online game." Additionally, speculation from fans hinted at the possibility of the studio revisiting a previously shelved RPG called "Rex Dominus." The exclusive status of Project Fantasy has now been disclosed through Microsoft's court proceedings.
Recently released reports from the ongoing Microsoft court case have unveiled plans for Project Fantasy, which might be developed exclusively for Xbox consoles. According to the documents, the game, previously known as Project Dragon, had already been considered as an Xbox exclusive as early as 2021, well before its official announcement. Described as an "RPG Shooter," Project Fantasy is expected to combine elements of a shooter with a fantasy setting. Interestingly, IOI did not mention anything about the game being exclusive to consoles during its initial reveal.
Project Fantasy's exclusivity on Xbox would bring another major release to Microsoft's console. Starfield, a highly-anticipated game from Bethesda, will be released exclusively on Xbox following Microsoft's acquisition of the studio in 2021. Microsoft aims to prioritize console exclusives and plans to release at least four Xbox-exclusive games annually. In addition to Starfield, other notable exclusives on the horizon for Xbox include Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and Ark 2.
New details about the ongoing court proceedings between Microsoft and the FTC have emerged through publicized documents. This includes prior considerations by Xbox to acquire studios such as Sega and Bungie in 2020, before the recent purchase of Activision Blizzard. The court proceedings have also revealed insight into the timeline for the next consoles from Microsoft and Sony, with expectations for their release around 2028. As the legal battle continues, further updates from the court case are likely to expose additional internal information.
Project Fantasy is reportedly in development for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: PureXbox
