Game development is becoming more complex and takes a much longer development cycle. Services like Game Pass will require a constant stream of titles to keep subscribers from unsubscribing. Phil Spencer, the Head of Xbox, noted that the company is aiming for one big title every quarter to keep that stream of content consistent. That could explain why Xbox is looking for outside help for more games.
People Can Fly Working on New AAA Title
Xbox is working with People Can Fly (Outriders, Bulletstorm, Gears of War Judgement) on a new AAA game; Project Maverick.
The total budget for the production of the game is 30 – 50 million US dollars. This could be co-production or an own project.https://t.co/kTjJSXPOBA pic.twitter.com/70wr4GLsNB
— Klobrille (@klobrille) June 14, 2023
By way of interia bizness and first reported by Xbox-centric Twitter user Klobrille, it seems that Microsoft and People Can Play have entered an agreement. The supposed agreement is for the development of an upcoming AAA title. The game’s budget is reported funded by Microsoft and is set between $30-50 million.
Given how long games take to develop, it can be assumed that we won’t hear about the game until 2 or 3 years. Perhaps it could release within 5 years or towards the tail end of the current console generation.
Since Microsoft is funding the game, there’s a good chance that the game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass, similar to Outriders.
About The Developer
If the studio People Can Fly sounds like a familiar name that’s because they probably are. More specifically, they were the developers of titles such as Outriders, Bulletstorm, Gears of War Judgment, and Painkiller.
After being a part of Square Enix, the studio was spun off and sold to Embracer Group. In addition, they were sold off along with Crystal Dynamics in May 2022.
It appears that People Can Fly found success with Outriders and the game was generally well-received by players and critics alike. In fact, the game even received a DLC expansion.
What do you think about the reported agreement? Do you think the AAA game will release day one on Xbox Game Pass? Have you tried People Can Fly’s previous titles? Let us know in the comment section below.
While you’re here check out our extensive coverage of the Xbox Showcase, Geoff Keighly’s Summer Game Fest, and PlayStation Showcase.
