- Internal documents suggest that Microsoft is considering integrating a cryptocurrency wallet into its next-generation Xbox console ecosystem
- An internal Microsoft presentation slide from May 2022 hints at various spending options, including a “crypto wallet” feature
- Microsoft is facing a continued battle to buy out Activision Blizzard for $69 billion
Could a crypto wallet be coming to Xbox? This dream may not be far away after unredacted documents unveiled in the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) case against Microsoft regarding its acquisition of Activision Blizzard suggest that the next-generation Xbox console ecosystem could potentially incorporate a cryptocurrency wallet integration. Details are thin on the ground, and the project may have been abandoned by this point, but the fact that it was at least under consideration by Microsoft bodes well for the potential addition down the line.
Internal Documents Reveal Wallet Plans
Despite its $69 billion acquisition of video game company Activision Blizzard being on track to close by October 18, the FTC is persisting in its efforts to challenge the deal. The agency issued an order on Wednesday confirming its plans to push ahead with an in-house trial, and the development has thrown up an interesting tidbit regarding Microsoft’s plans for future Xbox consoles.
An internal Microsoft presentation slide from May 2022, first seen by Axios, indicates that the upcoming Xbox console and its associated ecosystem will offer users various spending options, including in-game economies and a “crypto wallet” feature. The available information only specifies that this wallet would be an “Xbox/Microsoft solution,” implying that Microsoft is likely to develop it internally.
Microsoft Revving Its Enjin?
Any use of external providers is uncertain, although gaming-based project Enjin announced a deal with Microsoft three years ago and provided the blockchain wallet for the Samsung Galaxy S10 phone in 2019.
It is worth bearing in mind that these plans were shared internally at Microsoft in early May 2022, right before the crypto space took a bath. However, Microsoft will be well aware of the fact that the crypto market goes in cycles and may be looking at the long-term potential of the use of cryptocurrencies in gaming.
