Microsoft Rebrands 13 Core Developers as Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios promises new exclusives, IP, and sequels.
Today, Microsoft announced that it's rebranding Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios to better reflect its new goal and beefed up roster of studios. Xbox Game Studios is promising new exclusives, original IP, and sequels to popular franchises developed by its group of 13 studios.
Microsoft went on a bit of a spending spree last year, announcing acquisitions for studios like Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Playground Games at E3 2018. Those are the studios behind We Happy Few, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, State of Decay 2, and Forza Horizon 4. Microsoft also announced a new triple-A studio called The Initiative which has been hiring developers from other major studios like Sony Santa Monica and Rockstar Games.
Microsoft then announced acquisitions for inXile Entertainment and Obsidian Entertainment to join the roster alongside existing studios like 343 Industries, The Coalition, Rare, and Turn 10 Studios. In a press release, Xbox Game Studios vice president Matt Booty says the developers, "are working hard to deliver incredible exclusives, original IP and all-new chapters from your favorite franchises."
Booty highlighted 2019 exclusives like Crackdown 3, Gears of War 5, and Ori and the Will of the Wisps; along with major updates for Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 4. So far, there's no specific mention of any new projects from Xbox's expanded studio roster. Perhaps we will see them at E3 or in 2020?
Read this next
What's Your Favorite Non-Violent Game?
COMMUNITY QUESTION | Let's talk about our favorite chill, combat-free games.
47
Halo TV Series Gets Its Cortana and Sets a Release Window
We may yet see Halo on premium cable.
Halo Master Chief Collection Will Let You Save Your Old Custom Maps From Days Long Gone
Save those classic modes for your next game night.
Hidden QR Code In Halo Infinite E3 Trailer Finally Found By Fan
It leads to an audio file from a very familiar voice.
Gears 5 Will Support Mouse and Keyboard on Xbox, If That's Your Jam
This evens things out for crossplay.
All the Gears 5 Release Date and Beta Info We Know
Here's our guide to the Gears 5 release date, upcoming beta, new multiplayer modes, and more.
Sorry, No Smoking Allowed in Gears 5
Marcus will have to put the cigar out.
4
More News
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Character Ban Sets Off Massive Debate
Dragon Quest's Hero is a random character... possibly too random.
11
Halo Infinite's Creative Director Leaves 343 Industries
This week sees a leadership shake-up for Microsoft's big launch title.
4
"Stop Asking 'Is It Political?' and Start Asking Instead About the Actual Politics of Each Game"
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS | Also, the things studios of all sizes do to survive, and what happens when that's not enough.
16
Nintendo Will Let You Trade In Your Old Switch For the New Model If You Bought It Recently
You should probably take them up on this.
6
More on PC
What's The Best Video Game Spaceship?
COMMUNITY QUESTION | In honor of No Man's Sky Beyond, let's look back on the coolest spaceships around.
24
Halo Infinite's Creative Director Leaves 343 Industries
This week sees a leadership shake-up for Microsoft's big launch title.
4
"Stop Asking 'Is It Political?' and Start Asking Instead About the Actual Politics of Each Game"
THIS WEEK IN BUSINESS | Also, the things studios of all sizes do to survive, and what happens when that's not enough.
16
Destiny 2: Shadowkeep is Axing the Damage Stacking
No more stacking up those auras.
2
Epic Isn't Budging On Fortnite's Mechs, Despite Player Protests
The massive machines of destruction seem like they're here to stay.
2
Telling Lies, the New FMV Mystery From the Developer of Her Story, Is Out Next Week
Take another dive into the lives of others.
2
No Man’s Sky Base Building (Beyond Update 2019)
Everything you need to know about Base Building in No Man’s Sky.
3
More Action Games
This Collector Has a Metal Gear Game You Probably Didn't Even Know Existed
"Ammo is behind the next door!"
4
Call of Duty Mobile Release Date - Android, iOS, Battle Royale Details
This is our guide on Call of Duty Mobile, including the release date, platforms including Android and iOS, battle royale details, and more.
Fortnite Memorial to a Cube - How to Visit a Memorial to a Cube in the Desert or by a Lake
Here's our guide to the Fortnite cube memorial locations, within the desert and by a lake.
GTA 5 Cheats
Discover all the GTA 5 cheats with this handy GTA 5 cheats PS4, GTA 5 cheats Xbox One, and PC guide. Plus get all the GTA 5 cheats for Xbox 360 and PS3.
39
Newsletter
Subscribe to our weekly newsletters
Get the best of USG in your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters.