Unannounced Gears 6 and Xbox Game Studios projects released via NVIDIA GeForce Now database

Source: Xbox Game Studios

Several unannounced projects from Xbox Game Studios have surfaced via the NVIDIA GeForce Now database, offering a possible preview of upcoming titles released by Microsoft. The database content, posted online following documentation released Monday, refers to PC games under testing, some of which relate to major third-party studios.

The database is provided through NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service, with developer Ighor July documenting a vulnerability that allowed access to a database used for internal testing. The resulting list of titles, compiled by SteamDB creator Pavel Djundik includes references to some predictable projects, as well as others that probably won’t look like actual products launched any time soon. However, the entries also shed light on the future of Xbox, aligning information from sources familiar with Microsoft’s plans.

The database entries include the first mention of Gears 6, the next unannounced title in Microsoft’s Gears of War franchise. Vancouver-based studio and custodian of Gears, The Coalition, is expected to work on the sixth main game Gears of War, following on from its acclaimed 2019 predecessor, Gears 5. Microsoft has previously discussed Gears 5 in the context of more. big “saga,” with more information on the Coalition’s next project likely to surface in the coming year.

Halo 5: Guardians on PC is here, the latest Halo title yet to transition beyond the Xbox consoles. Halo: The Master Chief Collection is currently the closest thing to a full Halo PC experience, a six-part compilation, covering Halo: Combat Evolved through Halo 4. While developer 343 Industries has previously ruled out a PC debut for Halo 5: Guardians, his presence implies some consideration on the part of the studio.

Halo 5: Guardians could be among the existing Xbox titles still headed to PC.Source: Xbox Game Studios

The database also brings a series of code names related to upcoming Xbox Game Studios projects; Project Holland, Project Typhoon, Project Woodstock and Oxide. Project Holland was unveiled in 2020 as the reboot of Fable, led by a new team within Forza Horizon developer Playground Games. Avalanche Studios’ action-packed heists, Contraband, have already been rumored under its “Project Typhoon,” as we understand Woodstock is tied to the Forza franchise.

Microsoft’s Oxide project is still unreported, although our sources say the title is in the early stages of development. We understand that Oxide is known internally as “Project Indus”, a strategy / simulation title, inspired by the city-building genre.

The referenced projects provide a potential glimpse into what lies ahead for Microsoft and Xbox, although, as with any unannounced title, plans can and will change. However, references to various internal code names, some unreported, imply a level of legitimacy behind the content.

We also understand that NVIDIA GeForce Now and other cloud streaming services have played a larger role in game development throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, providing remote access in home work environments. With such services playing an increasingly crucial role in game creation, we expect several entries to refer to work unlikely to hit the market – at least, not anytime soon.