When Microsoft first unveiled the Xbox One they promised gamers that a wide variety of both new IPs and returning franchises would populate the console's first year of release. They also spent a good deal of time talking about TV functionality, when all gamers wanted to hear about was games.
Since that time, however, Microsoft has put a greater focus on unveiling and teasing new titles for the Xbox One, as well as the 360 and PC. They've also been quite busy on the trademarking front, snatching up potential game names left and right.
The first of Microsoft's most recent trademark filings pertains to a potential piece of game software called Eden Falls. With this being a mere trademark, though, it's hard to figure out what Eden Falls might be, but there is both a Twitter account and a game blog associated with Eden Falls. Or at least there was, as both the Twitter account and the blog have been altered since the trademark filings went public — suggesting that the three items are all connected.
In fact, before the two accounts were altered, the Eden Falls Twitter profile listed Lift London as its developer. Lift London, for those that don't know, is a first party Microsoft studio that specializes in tablet and mobile games.
In addition to the Eden Falls filing, Microsoft also recently trademarked the term Screamride for use in an "online computer game." Like with Eden Falls, and all trademark filings, Microsoft would not confirm nor deny that a game called Screamride is in development, only that the company regularly acquires trademarks as part of its ongoing business strategy.
This is the standard response when it comes to trademarks of any kind, but the timing is worth noting given that E3 2014 is right around the corner. We know that Microsoft's E3 press conference will reportedly be "loaded" with games, but thus far we have very few potential suitors for a high profile reveal. We expect known entities like Gears of War, Halo 5, and the next Fable to make an appearance, but we also hope there will be at least a few surprises in store for attendees. Perhaps Eden Falls and Screamride will be among those surprises?
What types of games do you think Eden Falls and Screamride could be? How would you like to see Microsoft split their attention between new IPs and existing franchises at E3 2014?
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