A senior project manager & product planner at Microsoft Studios has recently posted an update to his work experience on LinkedIn, revealing his product management work on at least four new IPs.
Browne’s profile states, “I am currently a strategic Senior Product Manager/Product Planner within the Microsoft 1st Party Publishing Group. I have been the primary product manager on four unannounced new IP and have been a key contributor bringing these IP from the very early concept phase through green light to production.”
The source who submitted Browne’s profile is unknown; however, that person more than likely is a first or second degree connection of Browne’s, since LinkedIn does not enable users of a third degree connection or greater to view entire profiles.
Browne’s resume goes on to list that he been involved in planning Microsoft’s “3 year 1st Party portfolio,” which suggests a title lineup for a new system. In addition, he hints at Microsoft’s consideration of new transaction models and partnerships with third-party platforms, noting “Analyze and provided clear recommendations on new monetization options and distribution channels (I.E. STEAM).”
Mentions of current first party franchises such as Fable and Forza were not present. This would mean that Microsoft Studios is prepping new IPs for their upcoming console.
Following Nintendo‘s exodus of first-party title announcements — during Nintendo Direct two weeks ago — and with Sony‘s projected Playstation 4 announcement on February 20, Microsoft has yet to connect with gamers to promise a next coming for Xbox. With a thin lineup of Xbox exclusives in 2013, it’s likely that Microsoft has focused almost entirely on its next console but has still been secretive to this moment.
So what kinds of exclusives should Microsoft be focused on for its next system? Will we finally see Steam integration on the 720? Are you excited for the possibility of new franchises from Microsoft Studios? Let us know what you think by commenting below.
