Xbox's Document Leak: A Peek into Gaming's Quirky World

Politics, News Sept. 21, 2023, 6:48 a.m.

Xboxs document leak unveiled humorous and revealing insights, including interest in Nintendo, Valve, and King. Phil Spencers approachability and a quirky blend of imagery added character to the revelations.

In the wake of the most significant document leak in Xbox's history, it's time to pause and savor the absurdity of the entire situation. Among the many revelations, one particularly amusing aspect was the rare glimpse into Xbox's corporate communications, ranging from executive emails laced with thinly veiled frustration to internal slide decks featuring fictional quotes attributed to diehard Xbox fans. Here, we delve into some of the email messages and slides that elicited chuckles, raised eyebrows, and perhaps a combination of both:

Wild Rumors Spur Product Discussions

Five months before the launch of the Xbox Series X/S, division chief Phil Spencer stumbled upon a serendipitous discovery. Due to a series of logistical hurdles, Yakuza: Like a Dragon was poised to become a next-gen Xbox exclusive. Spencer, elated by this development, shared his excitement in an email to fellow executives. "They are really doing a nice job supporting us, great to see. I love the rumors that we'd launch our Xbox in Japan with a Sega logo on it," he exclaimed. A mere 16 minutes later, Spencer followed up with an intriguing proposal: the creation of a limited-edition Sega-branded console for the Japanese market.

While the conversation eventually fizzled out, it was a victory for the rumor mill nonetheless.

Valve, a Microsoft Target

One of the bombshells from the leak was Phil Spencer's keen interest in acquiring Nintendo in 2020, considering it a potential "career moment." This revelation shed light on Microsoft's appetite for purchasing major game studios, including successful acquisitions like ZeniMax in 2021 and the ongoing pursuit of Activision-Blizzard. However, the leaked emails revealed even more businesses on Xbox's radar, such as Warner Bros. Interactive, Valve, and even TikTok.

Spencer noted, "Our Board of Directors has seen the full write-up on Nintendo (and Valve), and they are fully supportive if the opportunity arises, as am I." While Warner Bros. Interactive made some sense as an acquisition target, Valve seemed as elusive as Nintendo. As a private company with undisclosed financial data, Valve's estimated 2021 revenue was roughly $7 billion, on par with Electronic Arts and Activision-Blizzard. However, Valve's stronghold as the leading distributor of PC games through Steam made it an unlikely candidate for acquisition.

The thread began when Microsoft's Commercial Chief Marketing Officer, Takeshi Numoto, sent an email to Spencer titled "random thought," expressing confusion over discussions about purchasing TikTok and suggesting Nintendo as a better alternative. Ultimately, neither of these potential acquisitions came to fruition.

Mark Cerny's Lengthy Discourse

On March 18, 2020, Sony unveiled the first details about the PlayStation 5. That same day, Microsoft executives engaged in an email exchange discussing the PS5's specs. The discussion included comments on Mark Cerny, the PS5's architect, and his presentation. In a otherwise professional email, lines such as "Cerny talked at length about the move to SSDs" and "Cerny also spent what seemed like a disproportionate amount of time on audio innovations" seemed like veiled jabs at Cerny's presentation style.

Spencer shared his summary of the PS5's capabilities with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on the same day, concluding with, "This was a good day for Xbox."

Baldur's Gate 3: Second-Run Stadia PC RPG?

In 2023, Baldur's Gate 3 emerged as a surprise hit RPG. However, it's intriguing to see how Xbox classified it in the previous year's internal Game Pass projections. While other games received glowing descriptions like "Huge PC nostalgia play with a new title from a legendary designer" (Return to Monkey Island) or "Sequel to a strong Game Pass performer" (Wreckfest 2), Baldur's Gate 3 was rather dismissively labeled a "second-run Stadia PC RPG." Despite its accuracy at the time, it still felt like a slight to the game's success.

In one email exchange, Xbox Partner Software Architect Jean-Emile Elien questioned Spencer about whether the Game Pass model would negatively impact developers. Spencer initially provided vague responses, and their two-day email conversation gradually escalated, with Elien seeking clarification on how the company measured a game's success.

Microsoft's Real Interest in Activision-Blizzard

Amid Microsoft's high-profile acquisition of Activision-Blizzard, it's worth noting that the primary focus was on King, the mobile game developer responsible for Candy Crush. Even though "King" was often omitted from the Activision-Blizzard name, this studio consistently generated the highest revenue.

In a January 28, 2020 email, Spencer underscored the significance of King's contribution: "Activision is a unique partner given their King acquisition. Q3 revenue for King was $500 million (all mobile), while Activision (Call of Duty) was $209 million and Blizzard $394 million (leaning towards PC but also including mobile and console). Activision is truly a mobile-first publisher, thanks to their $6 billion King acquisition."

This detail provides valuable context as the Microsoft-Activision acquisition played out in court.

Phil Spencer: Approachable and Nerdy

One of the most endearing takeaways from the leaked Xbox emails is the personable and nerdy side of Phil Spencer. In these messages, Spencer responds promptly and thoughtfully, offering creative ideas for branding and software partnerships alongside the expected corporate communication. It's evident that senior-level employees felt comfortable emailing him with feedback and even questioning his goals, underscoring his approachable management style.

Interestingly, Spencer's tone takes on a more formal air when corresponding with CEO Satya Nadella, offering a relatable glimpse into the dynamics between leaders.

An Odd Blend of Imagery

The leaked documents include an odd blend of imagery, with an Xbox-branded photo of an American highway paired with an "inspirational" quote attributed to an African Proverb. The humor in this juxtaposition speaks for itself.

The Voice of the Player™

ZeniMax's Ambitious Release Calendar

Microsoft's financial year begins in July, making the 2020 chart from ZeniMax's release calendar even more perplexing. The chart, presented during acquisition negotiations, outlined a lineup that included Starfield by summer 2021, followed by Bethesda's Indiana Jones game in summer 2022, Doom Year Zero in summer 2023, and Elder Scrolls VI and Dishonored 3 in summer 2024. In reality, Starfield only recently released, and information on Indiana Jones, Elder Scrolls VI, and Dishonored 3 remains scarce. Elder Scrolls VI's release is expected to be years away, leading to understandable disappointment for eager fans.

In the ever-evolving landscape of the gaming industry, leaks like these offer a glimpse into the complexities and quirks of the business. Xbox's document leak not only provided amusement but also shed light on the inner workings, aspirations, and decision-making processes of a