The gaming community is buzzing with renewed speculation about Prototype 3 after a series of leaks gained unexpected credibility. The original Prototype games launched in 2009 and 2012 for PC, PS3, and Xbox 360, with enhanced versions arriving on PS4 and Xbox One in 2015. Despite the franchise's decade-long dormancy, recent developments suggest Radical Entertainment's brutal open-world series might finally get a new installment.

While Activision hasn't officially announced Prototype 3, intriguing evidence surfaced from an April Reddit post by user Bigbyy, who claimed participation in an Activision research group. Though the account and post were deleted, their accurate prediction about Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's co-op campaign lends weight to their simultaneous claim about Prototype 3 being in development.

The leak suggested Prototype 3 would bring back protagonist Alex Mercer and return to New York City's virus-ravaged streets. More significantly, Bigbyy's claim about Black Ops 7 featuring cooperative campaign play—a rarity in the Call of Duty series—was recently confirmed, boosting the leak's overall credibility. Only World at War (2008) and Black Ops 3 (2015) previously offered this feature in mainline titles.

Microsoft's acquisition of Activision adds another layer of plausibility to these rumors. The Prototype IP now falls under Xbox's umbrella, and Microsoft has expressed interest in reviving dormant franchises. Industry analysts note that Xbox Game Pass could benefit from adding a beloved but neglected series like Prototype to its catalog.

However, skepticism remains warranted. Activision hasn't acknowledged the project, and revealing Prototype 3 to a focus group before any official announcement would be uncharacteristic. The gaming community remembers similar rumors about Prototype 3 circulating in 2016 that ultimately led nowhere.

For now, fans should temper expectations but can take solace in knowing the franchise isn't forgotten. The original Prototype holds an 8.6/10 rating on Game Rant's database, with its fluid parkour movement and visceral combat remaining influential in the action genre. Whether these leaks prove accurate may depend on Microsoft's plans for Activision's back catalog in the coming years.