Very cool teaser. The lightning-struck tower appears to have lifeblood polyps growing from it. There are a bunch of lore hints about what else we might learn in this area.

But what if we cram it full of AI bloat/spyware? Could we entice you then?

• Microsoft, probably

My immediate thought reading your comment was the original black and green box before 360. So I’m one worse off in the chronology than you.

Troubleshooting tips on the inside lid of a washing machine.

Problem: Washer does not start.
Possible Cause: Lid is open.
Solution: Close the lid.

And so on.

You’re completely right. It sounds from the article like they flailed around a lot trying to figure out what that could be before settling for “do what you know.”

A huge amount of time and energy wasted without a clear vision, and then they fell into the trap of trying to chase the success of other games.