Summary
The recent leak of Xbox’s software and hardware plans for the coming years as part of Microsoft’s ongoing battle with the FTC over their acquisition of Activision Blizzard has revealed a lot of interesting projects from its various studios, including titles fromBethesda. Although the developer is coming off the success ofStarfield, there are still a lot of other titles in the pipeline from its family of studios to get excited about. One mysterious title from this leak allegedly coming fromBethesdais rumored to be from a Disney IP, but little else is known beyond fan speculation.
The documents leaked earlier this month outline a roadmap for Xbox’s software and hardware release schedule between 2020 and 2024. Although a lot has clearly changed from the time these documents were created in 2019 as Xbox’s Phil Spencer notes in his response to the leaks, many of these projects are still likely in development just with shifted timelines. According to industry insider Nick Baker on an episode ofThe XboxEra Podcast, one of the unnamed projects listed in this leak is a game from aDisney IP developed by Bethesda, sparking speculation from fans as to what game it could be.
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Decoding the Bethesda Disney Game Rumors
At face value, many fans may assume this Bethesda-developed game from a Disney IP is the upcomingIndiana Jonesgame from MachineGames. However, Nick Baker confirms on The XboxEra Podcast that the two titles are separate games asIndiana Jonescan be seen listed separately on the leaked documents. With the obvious, previously confirmed title eliminated, the door for speculation as to what this mysterious unannounced title could be and which of Disney’s many IPs it could be based on has been thrown wide open.
Many fans have been quick to jump on the idea that this is aStar Warsgame, as Baker has previously revealed that agame based onThe Mandalorianwas in development as early as 2022. Some keen observers have connected the dots between this rumor and ZeniMax Online’s confirmed but unnamed new MMO that is currently in development to speculate that the game is in fact an MMO based onThe Mandalorian. Unfortunately, this rumor doesn’t hold much water asThe Elder Scrolls Onlinedeveloper has stated this project is based on a brand-new IP, meaning a licensed Disney game is unlikely.
Another popular theory is that Bethesda is developing its own Marvel game given how massive of a property the comic book titan is. It’s unclear which hero or team of heroes a game like this would be based on, but there are numerous Marvel characters that are deserving of their own game. However, with how many other Marvel games are in development across several studios, such asMarvel’s Spider-Man 2andMarvel’sWolverinefrom Insomniac, an Iron Man game from EA Motive, a Black Panther game from EA’s Cliffhanger Games, and Skydance’s Black Panther and Captain America game, it would seem like the market for Marvel games is a bit too saturated for Bethesda to throw their hat into the ring as well.
While these are the most popular Disney IPs Bethesda’s rumored game could be based on, there are a handful of others that could be unlikely candidates for a new AAA game. Some fans have pointed out that Disney ownsPlanet of the Apes, which was rumored to be the subject of a game developed by Roundhouse Studios a couple of years ago. Other potential Disney IPs that could be candidates for this game areTron,Pirates of the Caribbean, or even something as out there asThe Simpsons. Until more information is officially revealed, fans can only speculate on this rumoredBethesdatitle.
