AMD has confirmed that it was contacted in December 2019 by a person who said that they had “test files” for its graphics products. Apparently, this includes source code for AMD’s Arden GPU, which is largely believed to the theXbox Series XGPU that is powering the next-generation console.
Some of the Xbox Series X GPU code has been posted online, but AMD has issued DMCA takedown notices to remove it. SinceAMDwas able to do this, it’s quite likely that the hacker legitimately stole the code. The hacker that stole the Xbox Series X GPU code is ransoming it for $100 million or will else post the entirety of it online.
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Even though AMD was contacted about the situation back in December, it just recently released a statement to make the public aware. In its statement, AMD downplayed the seriousness of the situation, stating, “While we are aware the perpetrator has additional files that have not been made public, we believe the stolen graphics IP is not core to the competitiveness or security of our graphics products.” AMD added that if the hacker has access to more of its IP, they have not been told about it just yet. AMD has stated that it is “working closely with law enforcement officials” as the investigation into the matter continues.
It’s unclear if this matter will have any real impact on the Xbox Series X. Right now, it seems the biggest obstacle for the Xbox Series X is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which could potentially cause shipping delays or at least console shortages. Some analysts have predicted thatXbox Series X shortageswill in turn cause the console’s initial asking price to be higher than initially expected as well.
The bigXbox Series X launch game,Halo Infinite, may also be impacted by the coronavirus. 343 Industries has stated that it has been working from home, and it’s easy to see how that could potentially pushHalo Infinite’s release back as well.
But before fans get too worried about the Xbox Series X and its games being delayed or anything like that, it should be noted thatMicrosoftis still aiming for an Xbox Series X release date of holiday 2020. Fans should just sit tight and wait for more information.
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