Xbox Goes Crypto? Leaked Microsoft Roadmap Includes Wallet Plans

The following-generation Xbox console ecosystem may supply avid gamers a crypto pockets integration, based on unredacted paperwork revealed as part of the FTC’s case towards Microsoft in its deliberate acquisition of developer Activision.

An inside Microsoft presentation slide from Could 2022 considered by Decrypt reveals that the next-gen Xbox console and surrounding ecosystem would supply customers a variety of various methods to spend cash, together with in-game economies and a “crypto pockets” characteristic. Axios first reported the crypto pockets part.

The one further context is that the pockets could be an “Xbox/Microsoft resolution” fairly than an “business resolution,” suggesting that Microsoft itself will develop it. Whether or not a pockets itself could be created in-house, or if it could merely be an integration with present crypto wallets like MetaMask or Coinbase Pockets, stays unclear.

It’s value emphasizing that the crypto pockets plans had been shared internally in early Could of final yr, because the slides are included in an e-mail dated Could 5, 2022. That was every week earlier than the crypto market crashed within the wake of Terra’s collapse.

Crypto has remained in a bear market since, and Bitcoin and Ethereum stay at a fraction of 2021 highs. So whereas some crypto followers would possibly see the information as a purpose to rejoice, it’s at the moment unclear whether or not the weakened crypto market has impacted Microsoft’s plans to launch the proposed characteristic.

Representatives for Xbox didn’t instantly reply to Decrypt’s request for remark. Till Microsoft points an announcement concerning the crypto pockets plans, avid gamers are left to invest with out a lot proof.

An array of confidential Xbox paperwork had been revealed final week within the FTC case and shortly unfold throughout the web.

The emails and displays had been purported to be redacted, however some weren’t—and the choose put Microsoft at fault for the fumble. Xbox head Phil Spencer tweeted in regards to the unintended revelations, and prompt that some plans have developed for the reason that paperwork had been ready.

“We have seen the dialog round outdated emails and paperwork,” Spencer wrote. “It’s laborious to see our group’s work shared on this manner as a result of a lot has modified and there is a lot to be enthusiastic about proper now, and sooner or later. We’ll share the true plans after we are prepared.”

The following-gen Xbox console possible received’t be launched till 2028, based on Microsoft paperwork, however mid-gen console updates for the Xbox Sequence X and Sequence S are slated to launch subsequent yr. The following-gen Xbox {hardware} is deliberate to have a hybrid method that integrates native and cloud computing to spice up efficiency.

Whereas Xbox’s crypto plans stay unclear, the console producer introduced Xbox-themed Mastercard bank cards this month that supply avid gamers factors for purchases, which could be redeemed for video games or different rewards.