In an unfortunate series of events earlier this month, Capcom was targeted in a cyber attack and some of the company's information was stolen - including plans for current and future video games, as well as personal information of some of its employees. Recently, the stolen video game information was leaked, and it reveals that Capcom is potentially working on another big Monster Hunter game.
The leak in question is a screenshot of Japanese spreadsheet, which shows games that Capcom may have plans for in the future. As part of its unannounced games, it appears that the company is working on the next Monster Hunter game to follow Monster Hunter World and Monster Hunter Rise. It refers to the next Monster Hunter game as Monster Hunter 6, which is further supported by a 2023 release date.
If the unannounced video game leak is to be believed, then it shouldn't be surprising that there is going to be Monster Hunter 6. Considering how successful Monster Hunter World has been, a potential sequel to that game for next-generation consoles would make a lot of sense.
Furthermore, Monster Hunter World demonstrated new gameplay mechanics, quest systems, free content, and DLC, effectively making it one of the most popular Monster Hunter games ever made. Monster Hunter 6's development seems like a given after that, but time will tell when Capcom is ready to make its announcement official.
If it is announced sometime soon, Monster Hunter 6 likely won't actually have the six, and is probably a placeholder until the developers have a more suitable title. For example, Capcom named Monster Hunter 5 to Monster Hunter World due to the game's biomes, environments, and giving players the chance to interact with a completely new world. With Monster Hunter Rise, the name reflects the verticality of its levels and Wire Bug gameplay. As such, whatever new concept Monster Hunter 6 will have, that should replace the six.
Ultimately, people should take big leaks with a grain of salt and have some amount of skepticism. Going forward, plans may change and Capcom could push its plans for Monster Hunter 6 either to a later or earlier date. Even the leaked plans to potentially release Monster Hunter Rise for PC in late 2021 may be scrapped, and the title could remain as a Nintendo Switch exclusive. It's always best to wait for official announcements, and not place total trust into leaked information.
Monster Hunter 6 is potentially scheduled to release in the second quarter of 2023.
Source: Resetera