The Ecco the Dolphin franchise is returning with a new anthology and a sequel, according to a report from kotaku.com. The upcoming collection, titled Ecco the Dolphin: Complete, reunites the original development team after more than 30 years.
“Ecco the Dolphin: Complete is built by original members of the Ecco development team, reunited after more than 30 years, and includes original creator Ed Annunziata along with members of the original composition, art, and programming teams,” the press release stated. The announcement also confirmed that the project includes an entirely new entry in the franchise.
However, the collection will not include the 2000 Dreamcast title Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future. Kotaku reports this omission likely stems from the absence of original creator Ed Annunziata from that specific project's development.
Xbox leadership shifts and mobile ambitions
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma addressed rumors regarding the future of the Xbox mobile store on X. Responding to claims that she had abandoned the initiative, Sharma noted that the company is still pursuing an ecosystem that extends to smartphones despite challenges from Apple and Google.
“While I am still learning, the idea of an Xbox mobile store is not dead,” Sharma wrote. She also mentioned that Microsoft recently filed an amicus brief regarding mobile competition.
Sharma also teased a new collaboration between Game Pass and the chat platform Discord. While specific details regarding whether this involves a bundle or a direct integration remain unclear, Sharma stated, “We’re teaming up again as we continue to make Game Pass more flexible for our players.”
In other leadership news, Xbox veteran Kiki Wolfkill is leaving Microsoft after 28 years. Wolfkill, who previously led 343 Industries and spearheaded transmedia efforts for Halo and Fallout, announced her departure on LinkedIn.
“I am grateful for the opportunities that Microsoft has given me and the career that it let me build in an industry that I love,” Wolfkill wrote. She added that she is looking forward to her next chapter outside the company.
Meanwhile, director Hideo Kojima was spotted at Xbox headquarters in Washington. Kojima, who is developing the horror project OD, posted photos with Xbox executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. The visit follows recent discussions regarding Microsoft's multiplatform strategy and the potential future of Kojima's upcoming titles.
