14 DAY TRIAL // Electronic Arts has denied that it is currently developing games for the next Xbox console, the often rumored Xbox 720, saying that the new rumors that are currently suggesting it received a prototype console from Microsoft are just speculation.
At the end of last week, a massive rumor shook the gaming industry, which said that EA received from Microsoft an early prototype of its Xbox 360 successor, camouflaged in a computer case.
The reason for this secrecy is that the North American company wants EA to have ample time with the device, in order to get multiple games ready for it when the new console is going to be released.
EA made an official statement with IndustryGamers, saying that "This story is a total fabrication - 100 percent not true."
This is definitely a strong denial of the rumors, as EA was expected to just let out a regular "no comment on rumors or speculation" response.
The reasoning behind Microsoft's decision to already prepare an Xbox 360 successor is that Nintendo is set to also debut a new version of its Wii home console at next month's E3.
As such, Microsoft wants to steal Nintendo's thunder by unveiling its own next-generation console, even if the Xbox 360 is doing great in terms of sales and the Kinect motion sensor was named the world's fastest selling electronics device in history.
The rumor also said that Microsoft, besides getting ready to debut the console at E3, scheduled a 2012 arrival on the market, the same year when Nintendo wants to release the Wii successor.
Games industry representatives have demanded new platforms in recent months, but it's unlikely that Microsoft may follow Nintendo's example of releasing a new device this soon in the current console cycle.
Until the Xbox 720 is actually announced, Microsoft is also rumored to start deploying the Xbox Live Spring 2011 Update to the Xbox 360 next week.