Microsoft Studios (game studio)

Microsoft Studios is the video game production wing for Microsoft, responsible for the development and publishing of games for the Xbox, Xbox 360, Games for Windows and Windows Phone platforms. They were established in 2002 as Microsoft Game Studios to coincide with the release of the Xbox, before being re-branded in 2011. Microsoft Studios develops and publishes games in conjunction with first and third party development studios under their publishing label.

History

2002

• Microsoft Studios acquired Rare Ltd. from Nintendo and the Stamper brothers (Chris and Tim), who owned 49% and 51% of the company respectively. The buyout is believed to be one of the most expensive purchases of a video game development studio ever, at a cost of around US$375 million.^[1] As a result of the buyout, Microsoft Studios also acquired the rights to Rare's original IPs, including the Banjo-Kazooie, Conker and Perfect Dark franchises.

2006

• Microsoft Studios announced that they have purchased Lionhead Studios, known for developing critically acclaimed titles such as Black & White and Fable.^[2]
• Microsoft Studios acquired Massive Incorporated, an in-game advertising company to provide additional revenues from their gaming platforms.^[3]

2007

• Microsoft Studios announced the opening of a European office in Reading, England, headed by General manager Phil Spencer.^[4]
• Microsoft Studios disbanded FASA Studio, best known for their work on the MechWarrior series.
• Halo developers Bungie announced that they would split from Microsoft Studios in order become a privately held independent company.

2008

• Microsoft Studios disbanded casual games studio Carbonated Games.
• Microsoft Studios announced the formation of Xbox Live Productions to develop "high-quality digital content" for Xbox Live Arcade.^[5]

2009

• Microsoft Studios announced the closure of both Ensemble Studios and Aces Studio, due to the effects of the late-2000s financial crisis and the restructuring of their game development studios.
• Phil Spencer was promoted to Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios in order to replace the retiring Shane Kim.^[6]
• Microsoft Studios formed Good Science Studio to develop software for Kinect.

2010

• Microsoft Studios formed a Mobile Gaming studio focused on developing gaming and entertainment multimedia for Windows Phone.^[7]

2011

• Microsoft Studios opened new development studios in London, Redmond, Victoria, and Virginia.^{[8][9][10][11]}
• Microsoft Studios acquired indie game developer Twisted Pixel Games, known for developing titles including 'Splosion Man and The Gunstringer.^[12][13]

Software development studios

Owned franchises and properties

See also

• List of video games published by Microsoft Studios
• List of video games published by Nintendo
• List of video games published by Sony Computer Entertainment

References

External links

• Official website
• Microsoft's Official Xbox website