Introduction
As Microsoft continues to expand its presence in the gaming industry, many game developers are wondering which games the company owns. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore Microsoft’s ownership of various game franchises and studios, providing you with a better understanding of the company’s involvement in the world of gaming. We will also delve into Microsoft’s history as a game developer and its current strategy for acquiring and managing game franchises and studios.
Microsoft’s History as a Game Developer
Before Microsoft entered the world of gaming, the company was primarily focused on developing software for personal computers. However, in 1980, Microsoft released its first video game console, the Intellivision. Despite its initial success, the Intellivision struggled to compete with the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and was eventually discontinued.
Undeterred, Microsoft continued to explore the world of gaming and in 1985, it acquired Rare, a British game development studio that had created popular games such as Donkey Kong Country and Battle Toads. Under Microsoft’s ownership, Rare developed games for the Nintendo 64 and Xbox, including the critically acclaimed Banjo-Kazooie series.
In 2002, Microsoft acquired a majority stake in Bungie, the developer of the popular first-person shooter game Halo. Microsoft’s investment in Bungie helped to fund the development of Halo 2 and subsequent games in the franchise, which have become some of the most successful in Xbox history.
Microsoft’s Current Game Franchises and Studios
Today, Microsoft owns a number of popular game franchises and studios, including:
1. Minecraft: Developed by Mojang Studios, Minecraft is one of the most popular video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. Microsoft acquired Mojang Studios in 2014 for $2.5 billion.
2. Forza Motorsport: Developed by Turn 10 Studios, Forza Motorsport is a popular racing game franchise that has been around since the early days of Xbox. Microsoft acquired Turn 10 Studios in 2002 and continues to support and develop new games in the franchise.
3. Halo: As previously mentioned, Microsoft owns a majority stake in Bungie, which developed the Halo franchise. The latest entry in the series, Halo Infinite, was released in 2021 and has received critical acclaim.
4. Gears of War: Developed by The Coalition, Gears of War is another popular first-person shooter game franchise that has been around since the early days of Xbox. Microsoft acquired The Coalition in 2018 and continues to support and develop new games in the franchise.
5. Fable: Developed by Playground Games, Fable is a role-playing game franchise that has been around since the early days of Xbox. Microsoft acquired Playground Games in 2018 and has announced plans to revive the Fable franchise with a new game, Fable Adventures.
In addition to these franchises and studios, Microsoft also owns a number of other smaller game development studios and has made investments in indie game developers through its Xbox Live Indie Games program.
Microsoft’s Strategy for Acquiring and Managing Game Franchises and Studios
When it comes to acquiring game franchises and studios, Microsoft has been known to take a strategic approach. The company tends to focus on acquiring studios that have a proven track record of success and a strong pipeline of games. This allows Microsoft to leverage the talent and expertise of these studios to develop new games and expand its gaming library.
Once Microsoft has acquired a studio or franchise, it typically takes a hands-off approach, allowing the studio to continue developing games in its own way. However, Microsoft does provide resources and support to help these studios grow and succeed. This includes funding for game development, access to Microsoft’s vast network of gaming partners, and marketing and distribution support.
Case Studies: Examples of Microsoft’s Success with Game Franchises and Studios
To illustrate Microsoft’s success with game franchises and studios, let’s take a look at a few examples:
1. Halo: As previously mentioned, Microsoft owns a majority stake in Bungie, which developed the Halo franchise. The latest entry in the series, Halo Infinite, was released in 2021 and has received critical acclaim. Halo Infinite has already sold over 5 million copies worldwide and is expected to continue to be a major hit for Microsoft.
