Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Confirms Wolfenstein 3 in Production at MachineGames

Key points

• Xbox CEO Asha Sharma confirmed Wolfenstein 3 is in production at MachineGames on November 12, 2026.
• The announcement was made during Xbox's 25th anniversary celebrations and included a script excerpt and motion-capture photo.
• No release date, platforms, or gameplay details were disclosed.
• The game follows Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017) and is expected to conclude the trilogy.
• id Software also confirmed a new game, widely believed to be a DOOM sequel, and a new 'Slaughter Mode' update for DOOM: The Dark Ages is arriving next week.

Background

Wolfenstein is a long-running FPS franchise set in an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II. The most recent mainline entries, Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus (2017), were developed by MachineGames. Wolfenstein 3 will be the first game in the franchise developed by MachineGames under Xbox ownership following Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media in 2021.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and The Verge reported the announcement as a significant milestone for the franchise, noting it is the first Wolfenstein game developed under Xbox ownership. Pure Xbox highlighted the simultaneous confirmation of a new id Software game, likely a DOOM sequel. Push Square's comments reflected mixed fan reactions, with some expressing excitement for the series' return and others criticizing the long development gap since 2017. Some fans worried about potential Xbox exclusivity and Game Pass availability, while others debated the studio's recent performance with titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Why it matters

The confirmation of Wolfenstein 3 signals a major new first-party title for Xbox, potentially addressing concerns about the studio's output following the mixed reception of Wolfenstein: Youngblood. It also highlights Microsoft's continued investment in legacy Bethesda franchises post-acquisition. The simultaneous announcement of a new DOOM project suggests a broader strategy to revitalize key Bethesda IPs under Xbox's umbrella.

What to watch

Fans will likely wait for more details on Wolfenstein 3's release date, platforms, and gameplay. The upcoming 'Slaughter Mode' update for DOOM: The Dark Ages may provide early insights into id Software's development direction. Industry observers will watch how Xbox positions these titles in terms of exclusivity and Game Pass availability.