Microsoft Responds to Extensive Xbox Leaks: Read Phil Spencer's Complete Memo

Phil Spencer Responds to Xbox Leaks

Xbox leader Phil Spencer has sent an email to Microsoft employees addressing the significant Xbox leak that occurred earlier today. In the internal communication, which was obtained by The Verge, Spencer acknowledges that Microsoft's Xbox plans were inadvertently exposed during the FTC v. Microsoft case.

These documents disclosed various details, including a redesigned disc-less Series X, a 2028 Xbox potentially featuring "cloud hybrid games," plans for a new Xbox controller, unannounced Bethesda games, and even discussions about acquiring Nintendo.

Spencer suggests that Microsoft's plans may have undergone changes, particularly because some of the documents were from last year, while others dated back further. He mentions in his internal memo, "I know this is disappointing, even if many of the documents are well over a year old and our plans have evolved."

In a shorter statement shared on the social platform X (formerly Twitter), Spencer expressed, "We’ve seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready." [no_toc]

We've seen the conversation around old emails and documents. It is hard to see our team's work shared in this way because so much has changed and there's so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) September 19, 2023

Here’s Spencer’s Memo

Team,

Today, several documents submitted in the court proceedings related to our proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard were unintentionally disclosed. I know this is disappointing, even if many of the documents are well over a year old and our plans have evolved.

I also know we all take the confidentiality of our plans and our partners’ information very seriously. This leak obviously is not us living up to that expectation. We will learn from what happened and be better going forward. We all put incredible amounts of passion and energy into our work, and this is never how we want that hard work to be shared with the community. That said, there’s so much more to be excited about, and when we’re ready, we’ll share the real plans with our players.

In closing, I appreciate all of the work that you pour into Team Xbox to surprise and delight our players. In the days and weeks ahead, let’s stay focused on what we can control: continuing the amazing success of Starfield, the upcoming launch of the incredible and accessible Forza Motorsport, and continuing to build games, services and devices that millions of players can enjoy.

Phil