Xbox Game Studios#Former

File:Microsoft Game Studios.svg

In the early 1990s, Microsoft published a few video games. It published subLOGIC's Microsoft Flight Simulator and several Microsoft Entertainment Pack compilations of minigames, but was best known for MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows. In 1992, the company began increasing its focus on games. It announced Microsoft Golf for Windows, based on Access Software's Links, and expanded the games division from two to six people with the intention of commissioning more products from other developers.{{Cite news |last=Minson |first=John |date=November 9, 1992 |title=Microsoft moves into sports simulation with Golf |language=en |pages=C5 |work=Calgary Herald |agency=The Guardian |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/485417668/ |access-date=October 16, 2022}}

Microsoft acquired FASA Interactive in 1999 for its MechWarrior game series,{{cite web | url = https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/07/life/fasa/ | title = Microsoft MechWarriors | first = Chris | last = Morris | date = January 7, 1999 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = CNN | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211816/https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/07/life/fasa/ | url-status = live }} Access Software,{{cite web | url = http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/20/microsoft-buys-access | title = Microsoft Buys Access | author = JB | date = April 19, 1999 | website = IGN | access-date = February 4, 2018 | archive-date = February 4, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180204123933/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/20/microsoft-buys-access | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130449/the_end_game_how_top_developers_.php | title = The End Game: How Top Developers Sold Their Studios – Part One | first = Dan Lee | last = Rogers | date = March 3, 2004 | website = Gamasutra | access-date = February 4, 2018 | archive-date = September 23, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193804/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130449/the_end_game_how_top_developers_.php | url-status = dead }} and Aces Game Studio, which worked on Flight Simulator.{{cite web | url = https://gamasutra.com/view/news/112931/Microsoft_Makes_Big_Cuts_At_Flight_Sim_Studio.php | title = Microsoft Makes Big Cuts At Flight Sim Studio | first = Chris | last = Remo | date = January 23, 2009 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211818/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/112931/Microsoft_Makes_Big_Cuts_At_Flight_Sim_Studio.php | url-status = dead }} The Games Group had also established long-term publishing deals with developers like Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires, Age of Mythology),{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/168995/ensemble_studios_from_beginning_.php | title = Ensemble Studios: From Beginning to End, An Excerpt from Gamers at Work | first = Morgan | last = Ramsey | date = June 23, 2012 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = March 21, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190321024105/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/168995/ensemble_studios_from_beginning_.php | url-status = dead }} and Digital Anvil (Starlancer).{{cite press release | url = https://news.microsoft.com/1997/02/19/microsoft-inks-deal-with-newly-formed-digital-anvil/ | title = Microsoft Inks Deal With Newly Formed Digital Anvil | date = February 19, 1997 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124328/https://news.microsoft.com/1997/02/19/microsoft-inks-deal-with-newly-formed-digital-anvil/ | url-status = live }} Under Microsoft, FASA Interactive was renamed FASA Studio,{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/11/e3-2018-heres-what-happened-to-every-studio-microsoft-has-bought | title = E3 2018: Here's What Happened To Every Studio Microsoft Has Bought | first = Todd | last = Ciolek | date = June 11, 2018 | website = IGN | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211819/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/06/11/e3-2018-heres-what-happened-to-every-studio-microsoft-has-bought | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2014/9/15/6153109/microsoft-minecraft-acquisitions | title = Microsoft's checkered history of gaming acquisitions, from Bungie to Minecraft | first = Justin | last = McElroy | date = September 15, 2014 | website = Polygon | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 11, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190211031002/https://www.polygon.com/2014/9/15/6153109/microsoft-minecraft-acquisitions | url-status = live }} and Access Software became Salt Lake Games Studio.{{cite magazine | title = See You on the Beach | first = Mike | last = Bevan | magazine = Retro Gamer | issue = 120 | publisher = Imagine Publishing | pages = 58–63 | date = October 2013}}

Microsoft transitioned the Games Group into a wholly separate division named Microsoft Games around March 2000, along with other consolidation of games-related projects within Microsoft. This came alongside the public announcement of the first Xbox console, with Microsoft Games to serve as a developer and publisher of titles for both Xbox and Windows.{{cite press release | url = https://news.microsoft.com/2000/03/10/xbox-brings-future-generation-games-to-life/ | title = Xbox Brings "Future-Generation" Games to Life | date = March 10, 2000 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-date = February 3, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030000/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/03/10/xbox-brings-future-generation-games-to-life/ | url-status = live }} Robbie Bach, who held executive positions in Microsoft's entertainment divisions, was named senior vice-president while Ed Fries, a member of the former Games Group and instrumental for some of its acquisitions, was named as vice-president of the new division.{{cite press release | url = https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/10/new-game-head-of-microsofts-games-division-outlines-companys-strategy-for-pc-and-console-games/ | title = New Game: Head of Microsoft's Games Division Outlines Company's Strategy for PC and Console Games | date = May 10, 2000 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-date = January 28, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082932/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/10/new-game-head-of-microsofts-games-division-outlines-companys-strategy-for-pc-and-console-games/ | url-status = live }}{{cite press release | url = https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/10/microsoft-promotes-fries-to-vice-president-of-games-publishing/ | title = Microsoft Promotes Fries to Vice President of Games Publishing | date = May 10, 2000 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124503/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/10/microsoft-promotes-fries-to-vice-president-of-games-publishing/ | url-status = live }} Shane Kim served as the division's general manager.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-microsoft-game-studios-gm-shane-kim/1100-6098664/ | title = Q&A: Microsoft Game Studios' GM Shane Kim | first = Curt | last = Feldman | date = May 18, 2004 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = GameSpot | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124315/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-microsoft-game-studios-gm-shane-kim/1100-6098664/ | url-status = live }} In 2001, the division was renamed Microsoft Game Studios (MGS).{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/05/microsoft-studios-is-now-xbox-game-studios | title = Microsoft Studios Is Now Xbox Game Studios | first = Colin | last = Stevens | date = February 5, 2019 | website = IGN | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207063249/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/05/microsoft-studios-is-now-xbox-game-studios | url-status = live }}

FASA Studio and Salt Lake Games Studio remained with Microsoft Game Studios. Digital Anvil and Ensemble Studios were acquired by Microsoft in 2000 and 2001, respectively. One of the first major studio acquisitions following the division's formation was Bungie in June 2000, in the midst of its development of Halo: Combat Evolved.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/20/microsoftbungie-interview | title = Microsoft/Bungie Interview | date = June 19, 2000 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = IGN | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123841/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/20/microsoftbungie-interview | url-status = live }} With the acquisition, Halo, which had been planned for release on personal computers, became a Microsoft-published title as well as a launch title for the Xbox on its release in 2001.{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-01-06/xbox-the-oral-history-of-an-american-video-game-empire | title = Xbox: The Oral History of an American Video Game Empire | first = Dina | last = Bass | date = January 6, 2021 | access-date = January 6, 2021 | work = Bloomberg News | archive-date = January 6, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210106131058/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2021-01-06/xbox-the-oral-history-of-an-american-video-game-empire | url-status = live }} Turn 10 Studios was established in 2001 for work on the Forza series of racing games.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/10/a-trip-to-turn-10-the-forza-studio-merging-car-culture-with-games/ | title = A trip to Turn 10, the Forza studio merging car culture with games | first = Jonathan M. | last = Gitlin | date = October 31, 2014 | website = Ars Technica | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = October 31, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141031172516/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2014/10/a-trip-to-turn-10-the-forza-studio-merging-car-culture-with-games/ | url-status = live }} In September 2002, Microsoft Game Studios acquired Rare, who had previously extensively developed for Nintendo platforms.{{cite web | url = https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/24/microsoft-buys-rare | title = Microsoft Buys Rare | first = Aaron | last = Boulding | date = September 24, 2002 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = IGN | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124141/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/24/microsoft-buys-rare | url-status = live }} In 2003, Microsoft recognized that the EA Sports label was in a far stronger position to develop sports games for the Xbox console, and among realignment steps, laid off about 78 employees within Microsoft Game Studios that were developing sports games in-house, and sold Salt Lake Games Studio, now named Indie Games to Take-Two Interactive in 2004, where it became Indie Built.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-helps-microsoft-get-out-of-sports-game/1100-6115224/ |title=Take-Two helps Microsoft get out of sports game |first=Curt |last=Feldman |date=December 16, 2004 |website=GameSpot |access-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205165037/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-helps-microsoft-get-out-of-sports-game/1100-6115224/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news171204taketwosports |title=Microsoft sells off sports game studio to Take Two |author=GamesIndustry International |date=December 17, 2004 |website=Eurogamer |access-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-date=December 4, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111204200012/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news171204taketwosports |url-status=live }}

Peter Moore was named in 2003 as vice-president of Microsoft's Home and Entertainment Division, which included MGS, the Xbox division, and Microsoft's home hardware market, reporting to Bach.{{cite web | url = https://news.microsoft.com/2003/01/20/microsoft-announces-appointment-of-peter-moore-as-corporate-vice-president-of-retail-sales-and-marketing/ | title = Microsoft Announces Appointment of Peter Moore As Corporate Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing | date = January 20, 2003 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | publisher = Microsoft | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124424/https://news.microsoft.com/2003/01/20/microsoft-announces-appointment-of-peter-moore-as-corporate-vice-president-of-retail-sales-and-marketing/ | url-status = live }} In addition to pulling big publishers like Electronic Arts to the Xbox platform, Moore tried to push the Xbox in Japan by courting Japanese developers with support from MGS publishing. Such games included Phantom Dust and Blinx: The Time Sweeper.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/07/aretrospective-on-peter-always-wanting-moore/ | title = A retrospective on Peter: always wanting Moore | first = Frank | last = Caron | date = July 18, 2007 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124041/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/07/aretrospective-on-peter-always-wanting-moore/ | url-status = live }} Around 2004, MGS established Carbonated Games as an internal studio for the development of casual games for Microsoft's web games portal MSN Games, on the chat client MSN Messenger, and on the Xbox Live platform.{{cite web | url = https://www.mcvuk.com/development/qa-joshua-howard-carbonated-games | title = Q&A: Joshua Howard, Carbonated Games | date = July 23, 2007 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = MCV | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211833/https://www.mcvuk.com/development/qa-joshua-howard-carbonated-games | url-status = live }} Kim and Fries were instrumental for securing MGS' publishing deal with Lionhead Studios for their 2004 game Fable, which would serve as the first major role-playing game on the Xbox platform. Subsequently, in 2006, MGS acquired Lionhead Studios along with the Fable properties, as it sought to secure a Fable sequel for the upcoming Xbox 360.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-12-lionhead-the-inside-story | title = Lionhead: The inside story | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = May 12, 2016 | access-date = February 6, 2019 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = December 28, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171228152204/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-12-lionhead-the-inside-story | url-status = live }} MGS folded the staff of Digital Anvil into the larger studio in 2005, following the release of 2003's Brute Force, and closed down the studio entirely in 2006. FASA Studio was closed three-and-a-half months after the May 2007 release of their last game, Shadowrun.

In 2007, MGS announced the opening of a European office in Reading, England, headed by general manager Phil Spencer.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/new-microsoft-game-studios-office-for-europe | title = New Microsoft Game Studios Office For Europe | first = David | last = Jenkins | website = Gamasutra | date = May 4, 2007 | access-date = January 27, 2019 | archive-date = January 27, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190127211244/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/104747/New_Microsoft_Game_Studios_Office_For_Europe.php | url-status = live }} Moore opted to leave Microsoft in July 2007, so to move back to the San Francisco Bay area with his family and to rejoin Electronic Arts. Don Mattrick was named as his replacement as the new vice-president of the Xbox and Games Business, which included MGS.{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/confirmed-peter-moore-leaving-microsoft-replaced-by-don-mattrick-35558.phtml | title = Confirmed: Peter Moore leaving Microsoft, replaced by Don Mattrick | first = Jim | last = Sterling | author-link = Jim Sterling | date = July 17, 2007 | website = Destructoid | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211819/https://www.destructoid.com/confirmed-peter-moore-leaving-microsoft-replaced-by-don-mattrick-35558.phtml | url-status = live }} Later in 2007, Bungie amicably split from MGS to become a privately held independent company, with MGS retaining the rights to the Halo property.{{cite news | url = https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft-halo-maker-bungie-split/ | title = Microsoft, "Halo" maker Bungie split | first = Benjamin | last = Romano | date = October 6, 2007 | website = The Seattle Times | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = January 30, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160130201828/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft-halo-maker-bungie-split/ | url-status = live }} Bungie continued to develop two additional Halo games for MGS, Halo 3: ODST (2009) and Halo: Reach (2010).{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115522/Reports_Halo_Reach_Bungies_Last_Halo_Game_More.php | title = Reports: Halo: Reach Bungie's Last Halo Game, More | first = Christian | last = Nutt | date = July 24, 2009 | website = Gamasutra | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124521/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115522/Reports_Halo_Reach_Bungies_Last_Halo_Game_More.php | url-status = dead }} Simultaneously, MGS founded 343 Industries as an internal studio to develop future Halo games without Bungie.{{cite magazine | title = Studio Profile: 343 Industries | magazine = Edge | publisher = Future Publishing | first = Edward | last = Smith | issue = 300 | year = 2016 | pages = 94–97}}

In 2008, MGS disbanded Carbonated Games and announced the formation of internal studio Xbox Live Productions to develop "high-quality digital content" for Xbox Live Arcade.{{cite web | last = Keiser | first = Joe | publisher = Next-Gen.biz | date=May 22, 2008 | access-date = May 22, 2008 | title = Exclusive Interview: MS to Delist XBLA Titles | url = http://www.next-gen.biz/features/exclusive-interview-ms-delist-xbla-titles | url-status=dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120124190447/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/exclusive-interview-ms-delist-xbla-titles | archive-date=January 24, 2012}} Microsoft as a whole announced layoffs of up to 5,000 jobs across all divisions in January 2009 due to slowing sales of personal computers as a result of the Great Recession.{{cite web | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/technology/22iht-msft.4.19608611.html | title=Microsoft to cut 5,000 jobs in company's first major layoff | first=Ashlee | last=Vance | author-link=Ashlee Vance | date=January 22, 2009 | access-date=February 7, 2019 | work=The New York Times | archive-date=February 9, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125023/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/technology/22iht-msft.4.19608611.html | url-status = live }} Within MGS, the studio had already planned to disband Ensemble Studios after the completion of Halo Wars in early 2009,{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-to-close-ensemble-studios | title = Microsoft to close Ensemble Studios | first = Matt | last = Martin | date = September 10, 2008 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = GamesIndustry.biz | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124457/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-to-close-ensemble-studios | url-status = live }} while the new layoffs led MGS to also disband Aces Game Studio. Microsoft acquired Vancouver-based BigPark in May 2009, using the studio to develop some of the first games for the upcoming Kinect sensor for the Xbox 360.{{cite web | url = https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/microsoft-to-buy-vancouver-based-game-developer-bigpark-1.832259 | title = Microsoft to buy Vancouver-based game developer BigPark | date = May 8, 2009 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = CBC News | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320215132/https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/microsoft-to-buy-vancouver-based-game-developer-bigpark-1.832259 | url-status = live }} Later in 2009, Phil Spencer was promoted to corporate vice-president of MGS, in order to replace the retiring Shane Kim.{{cite web | url = https://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-phil-spencer-promoted-shane-kim-retiring/ | title = Microsoft's Phil Spencer promoted, Shane Kim retiring | first = Tor | last = Thorsen | date = September 15, 2009 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | website = CNET | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212418/https://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-phil-spencer-promoted-shane-kim-retiring/ | url-status = live }} In 2010, MGS formed a mobile gaming studio, MGS Mobile Gaming, focused on developing gaming and entertainment multimedia for Windows Phone devices.{{cite web | url = http://www.develop-online.net/news/35608/Microsoft-to-self-develop-mobile-games | title = Microsoft Game Studios adds in-house mobile team | first = Rob | last = Crossley | date = August 12, 2010 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100815212452/http://www.develop-online.net/news/35608/Microsoft-to-self-develop-mobile-games | archive-date = August 15, 2010 | work = Develop}} It also expanded Rare with a second studio in Digbeth, Birmingham.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/ | title = Rare to build new studio in Birmingham, England | first = Richard | last = Mitchell | date = March 2, 2010 | website = Engadget | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124042/https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/ | url-status = live }}

File:Microsoft Studios logo.svg

File:The Splatters 03.jpg is an Xbox Live Arcade game that was developed by a third-party studio and published by Microsoft Studios in 2012.]]

By the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 in June 2011, Microsoft Game Studios was quietly renamed to Microsoft Studios.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2011-halo-4-anchors-microsoft-press-conference/1100-6317146/ | title = E3 2011: Halo 4 anchors Microsoft press conference | first = Tor | last = Thorsen | date = June 6, 2011 | website = GameSpot | access-date = January 19, 2019 | archive-date = January 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093449/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2011-halo-4-anchors-microsoft-press-conference/1100-6317146/ | url-status = live }} Later in 2011, Microsoft Studios acquired Twisted Pixel Games.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/ | title = Microsoft buys indie developer Twisted Pixel | first = Justin | last = McElroy | date = October 12, 2011 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = Engadget | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211818/https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/ | url-status = live }} In early December 2011, Microsoft Studios created Microsoft Casual Games, a division to revamp its past casual games for Windows (like Windows Solitaire and MSN Games) using more up-to-date software delivery platforms.

In 2012, Phil Harrison, the former Sony worldwide studios head, joined Microsoft as head of Microsoft Studios Europe and IEB.{{cite web | url = https://www.vg247.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-to-join-microsoft-as-head-of-european-games-studios/ | title = Harrison takes over MGS Europe, but not Molyneux's job | author = Staff | date = March 13, 2012 | website = VG247 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = April 3, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190403053012/https://www.vg247.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-to-join-microsoft-as-head-of-european-games-studios/ | url-status = live }} Microsoft Studios acquired developer Press Play, known for developing Tentacles and Max & the Magic Marker.{{cite web | url = https://www.shacknews.com/article/74232/microsoft-acquires-magic-marker-dev-press-play | title = Microsoft acquires Magic Marker dev Press Play | first = Alice | last = O'Connor | date = June 6, 2012 | website = Shacknews | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211820/https://www.shacknews.com/article/74232/microsoft-acquires-magic-marker-dev-press-play | url-status = live }} They also announced a new development studio in London, England.{{cite web | url = https://www.mcvuk.com/consoles/microsoft-to-open-new-xbox-studio-in-london | title = Microsoft to open new Xbox studio in London | first = Michael | last = French | date = July 26, 2012 | website = MCV | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211820/https://www.mcvuk.com/consoles/microsoft-to-open-new-xbox-studio-in-london | url-status = live }} Later in 2012, Microsoft downsized Microsoft Game Studios Vancouver due to the cancellation of the Kinect family title Project Columbia and announced that the ongoing development of free-to-play title Microsoft Flight had been ceased due to portfolio evaluation.{{cite web | url = https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/report-microsoft-reduces-staff-at-vancouver-studio-cans-proje/ | title = Report: Microsoft reduces staff at Vancouver studio, cans 'Project Columbia' for Kinect | first = Ludwig | last = Kietzmann | date = July 25, 2012 | website = Engadget | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123807/https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/report-microsoft-reduces-staff-at-vancouver-studio-cans-proje/ | url-status = live }} The reduced Vancouver studios were renamed to Black Tusk Studios and tasked with making similar franchise-building title as Halo.{{cite web | url = https://www.mcvuk.com/business/microsoft-vancouver-renamed-black-tusk-studios-is-working-on-new-triple-a-f | title = Microsoft Vancouver renamed Black Tusk Studios, is working on new triple-A franchise | first = Ben | last = Parfitt | date = November 29, 2012 | website = MCV | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://www.mcvuk.com/business/microsoft-vancouver-renamed-black-tusk-studios-is-working-on-new-triple-a-f | url-status = live }}{{cite magazine | url = http://www.pcgamer.com/microsofts-new-black-tusk-studios-headed-by-ex-ea-devs-looking-to-make-the-next-halo/ | title = Microsoft's new Black Tusk Studios, headed by ex-EA devs, looking to make the next Halo | last = Hafer | first = T.J. | date = November 30, 2012 | magazine = PC Gamer | access-date = October 12, 2016 | archive-date = November 5, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151105042335/http://www.pcgamer.com/microsofts-new-black-tusk-studios-headed-by-ex-ea-devs-looking-to-make-the-next-halo/ | url-status = live }}

In 2013, Microsoft established European studio Lift London, a studio that would create cloud-based games for tablets, mobiles and TVs.{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-10-microsoft-announces-lift-london-a-new-developer-focused-on-cloud-games-for-tablets-mobiles-and-tvs/ | title = Microsoft announces Lift London, a new developer focused on cloud games for tablets, mobiles and TVs' | website = Eurogamer | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140627194251/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-10-microsoft-announces-lift-london-a-new-developer-focused-on-cloud-games-for-tablets-mobiles-and-tvs | archive-date = June 27, 2014}} Later, they created a new "Deep Tech" team inside its Developer and Platform Evangelism (DPE) unit; the new team is charged with working with top developers outside the company to build next-generation applications on top of Microsoft platforms.{{cite web | url = https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-builds-a-deep-tech-team-to-attract-next-gen-developers/ | title = Microsoft Recruits for Deep Tech team' | website = ZDNet | access-date = May 15, 2013 | archive-date = June 7, 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130607135637/http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-builds-a-deep-tech-team-to-attract-next-gen-developers-7000015270/ | url-status = live }}

While Mattrick had overseen much of the development of Microsoft's next console, the Xbox One, he left in July 2013, prior to its release, to take over as CEO of Zynga.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/report-xbox-president-don-mattrick-will-leave-microsoft-for-zynga/ | title = Xbox President Don Mattrick leaving Microsoft to become Zynga CEO | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = July 1, 2013 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124149/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/report-xbox-president-don-mattrick-will-leave-microsoft-for-zynga/ | url-status = live }} Mattrick was succeeded by Julie Larson-Green, who was named the president of the Devices and Studios Engineering Group, following a realignment of Microsoft's divisions, overseeing both the Xbox hardware divisions and Microsoft Studios.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4513944/julie-larson-green-to-take-over-xbox-hardware-division | title = Julie Larson-Green to take over Xbox hardware division following Mattrick's departure | first = Alexa Ray | last = Correia | date = July 11, 2013 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124220/https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4513944/julie-larson-green-to-take-over-xbox-hardware-division | url-status = live }}

File:Phil Spencer Xbox.jpg

Satya Nadella became CEO of Microsoft in February 2014. At this time, Microsoft was facing strong competition in the consumer market, and within the gaming sector, the Xbox One (released in 2013) was more expensive than competitors and had too much focus on non-gaming functions. Under Nadella's direction, Phil Spencer was named the new head of Microsoft Studios to replace Jason Holtman, who had only been its lead for the prior six months.{{cite web | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsofts-videogame-boss-and-the-long-battle-to-reinvent-the-company-11643912561 | title = Microsoft's Videogame Boss and the Long Battle to Reinvent the Company | first = Aaron | last =Tilley | date = February 3, 2022 | work = The Wall Street Journal | archive-url = https://archive.today/20220203193516/https://www.wsj.com/articles/microsofts-videogame-boss-and-the-long-battle-to-reinvent-the-company-11643912561#selection-3903.9-3903.79 | archive-date = February 3, 2022 }}{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-13-microsofts-pc-gaming-chief-leaves-after-just-six-months | title = Microsoft's PC gaming chief leaves after just six months | website = Eurogamer | date = February 13, 2014 | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212059/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-13-microsofts-pc-gaming-chief-leaves-after-just-six-months | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-31-phil-spencer-named-new-boss-of-xbox | title = Phil Spencer named new boss of Xbox | website = Eurogamer | date = March 31, 2014 | access-date = May 31, 2014 | archive-date = May 31, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140531144531/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-31-phil-spencer-named-new-boss-of-xbox | url-status = live }} Spencer began looking for ways to expand Microsoft Studios to make it a profitable division for Microsoft, and began negotiations for the acquititions of Mojang, the developers behind Minecraft, in late 2014.{{cite web | url = https://www.techradar.com/news/the-history-of-minecraft | title = The history of Minecraft | first = Alex | last = Cox | date = June 13, 2018 | website = TechRadar | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = August 9, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180809090837/https://www.techradar.com/news/the-history-of-minecraft | url-status = live }} Microsoft spent {{USD|2.5 billion}} to acquire the studio, and upon the deal's completion in November, the studio's key founding personnel, Markus Persson, Jakob Porsér and Carl Manneh, departed Mojang. As a result, Persson became valued around {{US$|1.3 billion}}.{{cite web | url = https://www.recode.net/2015/8/29/11618134/minecraft-billionaire-markus-persson-hates-being-a-billionaire | title = Minecraft Billionaire Markus Persson Hates Being a Billionaire | first = Arik | last = Hesseldahl | date = August 29, 2015 | website = Recode | access-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180107/https://www.recode.net/2015/8/29/11618134/minecraft-billionaire-markus-persson-hates-being-a-billionaire | url-status = live }} Microsoft Studios committed to keeping Minecraft available across multiple platforms, including rival PlayStation consoles. Matt Booty, the studio's corporate vice-president in 2020, said the acquisition of Mojang served as the template for later acquisitions, as Mojang was left to run as an "unplugged studio" with limited integration into the Microsoft corporation, minimizing the disruption of Mojang's normal day-to-day business matters nor impeding on the studio's freedom.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-09-how-minecraft-and-mojang-taught-xbox-how-to-buy-studios | title = How Minecraft and Mojang taught Xbox how to buy studios | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = July 9, 2020 | access-date = July 20, 2020 | work = GamesIndustry.biz | archive-date = January 24, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210124152930/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-09-how-minecraft-and-mojang-taught-xbox-how-to-buy-studios | url-status = live }}

Additional intellectual property (IP) acquisitions by Microsoft Studios in 2014 included a publishing contract with Undead Labs for their game State of Decay,{{cite web | url = http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-11-state-of-decay-dev-signs-multi-year-agreement-with-microsoft | title = State of Decay sequels on Xbox One | website = Eurogamer | date = January 11, 2014 | access-date = April 28, 2014 | archive-date = April 19, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140419110320/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-11-state-of-decay-dev-signs-multi-year-agreement-with-microsoft | url-status = live }} the rights to the Gears of War series from Epic Games,{{cite web | url = https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2014/01/27/games-microsoft-studios-gears-of-war/ | title = Microsoft Studios acquires rights to Gears of War franchise | author = Xbox Wire Staff | website = Xbox Wire | date = January 27, 2014 | access-date = February 12, 2014 | archive-date = October 15, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151015205706/http://news.xbox.com/2014/01/games-microsoft-studios-gears-of-war | url-status = live }} and the Rise of IP (Rise of Nations and Rise of Nations: Rise of Legends) from Big Huge Games.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-30-rise-of-nations-extended-edition-due-next-month-on-steam | title = Microsoft bought the rights to "Rise of" IP | website = Eurogamer | date = May 30, 2014 | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212112/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-30-rise-of-nations-extended-edition-due-next-month-on-steam | url-status = live }} Microsoft Studios assigned Gears of War to Black Tusk Studios, which was later rebranded in 2015 as The Coalition.{{cite web | url = https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2015/06/03/games-introducing-the-coalition/ | title = Introducing The Coalition | date = June 3, 2015 | website = Xbox Wire | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2015/06/03/games-introducing-the-coalition/ | url-status = live }}

In July 2014, it was announced that Xbox Entertainment Studios would be closed in the following months; the closure was completed by October 29.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/30/xbox-entertainment-studios-reportedly-shuttered-as-heads-leave |title=Xbox Entertainment Studios Reportedly Shuttered as Heads Leave |first=Jenna |last=Pitcher |date=October 29, 2014 |website=IGN |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602000717/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/30/xbox-entertainment-studios-reportedly-shuttered-as-heads-leave |url-status=live }} On March 4, 2015, Microsoft announced that they were merging UK-based studios, Lift London and Soho Productions for further games development, with the amalgam continuing to operate under the Lift London name.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8149331/microsoft-working-on-games-for-hololens | title = Hololens games on Xbox one | date = March 7, 2015 | website = The Verge | access-date = September 5, 2017 | archive-date = October 3, 2017 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171003025856/https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8149331/microsoft-working-on-games-for-hololens | url-status = live }} On March 7, Microsoft announced at the Game Developers Conference that HoloLens games were coming to Xbox One. On March 9, Microsoft announced that Kudo Tsunoda's role was expanding and that he would be the new studio team leader for studios such as Press Play, Lift London and a new internal studio called Decisive Games. Decisive Games was previously mentioned in job postings, saying that they were hiring for work on a "beloved strategy game" for Xbox One and PC, but this is the first public acknowledgement of the team's existence as a first-party studio.{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-09-kinect-and-hololens-developer-kudo-tsunoda-expands-role-at-microsoft | title = Kudo Tsunoda Expands Role at Microsoft | date = March 9, 2015 | website = Eurogamer | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320222106/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-09-kinect-and-hololens-developer-kudo-tsunoda-expands-role-at-microsoft | url-status = live }} Twisted Pixel and Microsoft Studios agreed to split in September 2015.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2015/9/30/9430077/twisted-pixel-microsoft-independent-studio-xbox | title = Splosion Man studio Twisted Pixel no longer part of Microsoft | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = September 30, 2015 | access-date = February 7, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-date = February 9, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180057/https://www.polygon.com/2015/9/30/9430077/twisted-pixel-microsoft-independent-studio-xbox | url-status = live }}

Kudo Tsunoda left the Xbox division in November 2015 for the development of HoloLens and Microsoft Edge, and other projects that could improve means of human interaction, including voice and gesture. Tsunoda's role was filled by Hanno Lemke and Shannon Loftis.{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/19/9764320/xbox-kudo-tsunoda-new-role-at-microsoft | title = Xbox's Kudo Tsunoda moves to new role at Microsoft | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | work = Polygon | date = November 19, 2015 | access-date = November 23, 2015 | archive-date = November 23, 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151123044147/http://www.polygon.com/2015/11/19/9764320/xbox-kudo-tsunoda-new-role-at-microsoft | url-status = live }} In 2016, Microsoft was perceived as "unifying PC and Xbox One" platforms.{{Cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 1, 2016 |title=Microsoft to unify PC and Xbox One platforms, ending fixed console hardware |url=http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/01/microsoft-to-unify-pc-and-xbox-one-platforms-ending-fixed-console-hardware |access-date=April 24, 2022 |website=The Guardian |language=en |archive-date=April 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220425005711/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/mar/01/microsoft-to-unify-pc-and-xbox-one-platforms-ending-fixed-console-hardware |url-status=live }} In March 2016, Microsoft canceled development of two major projects: Lionhead's Fable Legends and Press Play's Project Knoxville, shuttering both studios in the following months.{{cite web | url = http://news.xbox.com/2016/03/07/microsoft-studios-changes-uk-denmark/ | title = Changes at Microsoft Studios, UK and Denmark | date = March 7, 2016 | access-date = March 7, 2016 | archive-date = March 7, 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160307214635/http://news.xbox.com/2016/03/07/microsoft-studios-changes-uk-denmark/ | url-status = live }}{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11537392/lionhead-studios-closed | title = Lionhead Studios shuts its doors today | work = Polygon | date = April 29, 2016 | access-date = March 29, 2018 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11537392/lionhead-studios-closed | url-status = live }} Around the same time, changes to Microsoft Studios' website indicated that further studios—BigPark, Good Science Studio, Leap Experience Pioneers (LXP), Function Studios and State of the Art (SOTA)—had been closed, Microsoft Studios clarified that all of them had been consolidated into other Microsoft Studios teams over the past several years.{{cite web |url=https://www.videogamer.com/news/microsoft-studios-site-removes-5-more-studios |title=Microsoft Studios site removes 5 more studios |first=David |last=Scammell |date=March 8, 2016 |website=VideoGamer |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=February 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124210/https://www.videogamer.com/news/microsoft-studios-site-removes-5-more-studios |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/more-microsoft-studios-look-theyre-might-be-canned-2/ |title=Lionhead might not be the only studio Microsoft canned: all the Kinect teams look dead |first=Leon |last=Hurley |date=March 8, 2016 |website=GamesRadar+ |access-date=February 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124152843/https://www.gamesradar.com/more-microsoft-studios-look-theyre-might-be-canned-2/ |url-status=live }}

In September 2017, Spencer was promoted to the senior leadership team, gaining the title of "executive vice-president of gaming".{{cite web | title = Microsoft Xbox boss Phil Spencer just got a big promotion, and will now report directly to CEO Satya Nadella | url = http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-xbox-phil-spencer-gets-promoted-to-executive-vice-president-2017-9 | website = businessinsider.com | access-date = June 24, 2018 | archive-date = June 24, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150649/http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-xbox-phil-spencer-gets-promoted-to-executive-vice-president-2017-9 | url-status = live }} At this point, Microsoft Studios directly reported to Nadella. In January 2018, Matt Booty was promoted from leader in the Minecraft games business to corporate vice-president of Microsoft Studios.{{cite web | title = Microsoft promoted its 'Minecraft' boss to be the new executive in charge of all Xbox game efforts | url = http://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-matt-booty-microsoft-studios-new-xbox-boss-2018-1 | website = businessinsider.com | access-date = June 24, 2018 | archive-date = June 24, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150935/http://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-matt-booty-microsoft-studios-new-xbox-boss-2018-1 | url-status = live }} On June 10, 2018, during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018, Microsoft announced the acquisitions of Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games,{{Cite news | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-10-microsoft-buys-ninja-theory-playground-games-more | title = Microsoft buys Ninja Theory, Playground Games, more | last = Yin-Poole | first = Wesley | date = June 10, 2018 | work = Eurogamer.net | access-date = June 10, 2018 | language = en | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612095048/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-06-10-microsoft-buys-ninja-theory-playground-games-more | url-status = live }} as well as the opening of a new studio in Santa Monica, California, entitled The Initiative, which would be led by the former Crystal Dynamics studio head Darrell Gallagher.{{Cite news | url = https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/the-initiative-microsoft-games-1202837444/ | title = Former Crystal Dynamics Head Opens Microsoft Game Studio the Initiative | last = Crecente | first = Brian | date = June 10, 2018 | work = Variety | access-date = June 10, 2018 | language = en-US | archive-date = June 12, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140505/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/the-initiative-microsoft-games-1202837444/ | url-status = live }} In November, Microsoft Studios announced further acquisitions with Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/audio/obsidian-inxile-acquired-by-microsoft-studios | title = Obsidian, inXile acquired by Microsoft Studios | date = November 10, 2018 | access-date = November 10, 2018 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = November 11, 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181111040903/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/330417/Obsidian_inXile_acquired_by_Microsoft_Studios.php | url-status = live }}

The studio rebranded itself on February 5, 2019, as Xbox Game Studios, as to reflect Microsoft's intent to use the Xbox brand to support gaming across all the devices it supports.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name | title = Microsoft Studios is now Xbox Game Studios | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = February 5, 2019 | access-date = February 5, 2019 | work = Polygon | archive-date = February 6, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190206034946/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name | url-status = live }}{{cite magazine | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ | title = Xbox Game Studios rebranding signals big changes for Microsoft's focus on gaming | first = Andy | last = Chalk | date = February 5, 2019 | access-date = February 5, 2019 | magazine = PC Gamer | archive-date = February 7, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015410/https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ | url-status = live }} At E3 2019, Xbox Game Studios announced it had acquired Double Fine,{{cite web |url=https://www.pcgamesn.com/psychonauts-2/double-fine-microsoft |title=Psychonauts developer Doublefine is now an Xbox Game Studio |first=Ali |last=Jones |date=June 9, 2019 |access-date=June 9, 2019 |website=PCGamesN |archive-date=June 24, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624095117/https://www.pcgamesn.com/psychonauts-2/double-fine-microsoft |url-status=live }} and established a new internal studio dedicated to Age of Empires headed by Shannon Loftis, bringing their total studio count to fifteen.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/microsoft-has-quietly-established-a-new-i-age-of-empires-i-studio | title = Microsoft has quietly established a new Age of Empires studio | first = Chris | last = Kerr | date = June 10, 2019 | access-date = June 10, 2019 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = June 10, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190610144959/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/344426/Microsoft_has_quietly_established_a_new_Age_of_Empires_studio.php | url-status = live }} This studio, later named World's Edge,{{cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/age-of-empires-iv-had-its-gameplay-debut-at-x019-572514.phtml | title = Age of Empires IV had its gameplay debut at X019 | first = Jordan | last = Devore | date = November 14, 2019 | access-date = November 14, 2019 | work = Destructoid | archive-date = January 5, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210105212218/https://www.destructoid.com/age-of-empires-iv-had-its-gameplay-debut-at-x019-572514.phtml | url-status = live }} does not directly develop any games, but oversees efforts from external studios, such as Relic Entertainment, Forgotten Empires and Tantalus Media, to assure the series is being developed in the right direction, according to creative director Adam Isgreen.{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/69560/gamescom-2019-microsofts-new-age-of-empires-arm-isnt-a-developer-firm-overseeing-other-studios-working-on-ip/ | title = Gamescom 2019 - Microsoft's new Age of Empires arm isn't a developer, firm overseeing other studios working on IP | first = Alex | last = Calvin | date = August 20, 2019 | access-date = August 20, 2019 | work = PGGamesInsider.biz | archive-date = August 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190820152511/https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/news/69560/gamescom-2019-microsofts-new-age-of-empires-arm-isnt-a-developer-firm-overseeing-other-studios-working-on-ip/ | url-status = live }}

Booty has stated that with studios like Obsidian, Ninja Theory, and Double Fine, which have traditionally supported multiplatform games, they will determine if it makes sense for their future products to be treated as Microsoft-exclusive content for Xbox and Windows computers, or to allow these to be published across multiple platforms. That decision will be based on a "network effect", whether having these games on other platforms will better support the franchise and thus worthwhile for Microsoft to help dedicate resources towards it, such as they had with Minecraft.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/348655/Multiplatform_games_from_Xboxowned_studios_must_make_sense_for_the_franchise.php | title = Multi-platform games from Xbox-owned studios must 'make sense for the franchise' | first = Alissa | last = McAloon | date = August 13, 2019 | access-date = August 13, 2019 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = August 13, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190813202905/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/348655/Multiplatform_games_from_Xboxowned_studios_must_make_sense_for_the_franchise.php | url-status = dead }} Xbox Game Studios has allowed some of the content developed by its studios or that was previously published exclusively for the Xbox and Windows systems to be released on Nintendo systems, notably the Nintendo Switch versions of Cuphead from Studio MDHR and Ori and the Blind Forest from Moon Studios, and allowing for the titular characters from Rare's Banjo-Kazooie into Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, the division stated that these releases were generally "existing commitments to other platforms" that they allowed studios to honor, but they otherwise have "no plans to further expand our exclusive first party games to other consoles."{{cite web | url = https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-20-microsoft-has-no-plans-to-release-more-xbox-exclusives-on-ps4-or-nintendo-switch | title = Microsoft has "no plans" to release more Xbox exclusives on PS4 or Nintendo Switch | first = Christopher | last = Dring | date = August 20, 2019 | access-date = August 27, 2019 | work = GamesIndustry.biz | archive-date = August 27, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190827150047/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-08-20-microsoft-has-no-plans-to-release-more-xbox-exclusives-on-ps4-or-nintendo-switch | url-status = live }}

Near the end of 2019, with the combined fifteen studios now under Xbox Game Studios, Booty stated that they now had more games than ever to handle, and were likely not going to acquire any additional studios in the near future, stating "we've been shifting our focus inside Xbox Game Studios from acquisition and growth, to a phase of execution and delivery".{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-is-shifting-focus-away-from-studio-acquisitions/ | title = Xbox is 'shifting focus' away from studio acquisitions | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = November 14, 2019 | access-date = November 15, 2019 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = November 14, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191114234040/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-is-shifting-focus-away-from-studio-acquisitions/ | url-status = live }} Additionally, as Microsoft started promotion of its fourth-generation of Xbox, including the Xbox Series X, Booty stated that titles developed by Xbox Game Studios in year or two following its release will not be exclusively for the new generation of consoles, but instead will support both Xbox One and the new console, with some games receiving enhanced performance when played on the new console lineup.{{cite magazine | url = https://www.mcvuk.com/we-need-to-deliver-on-the-promises-that-we-make-xbox-game-studios-matt-booty-on-the-future-of-xbox/ | title = "All of our games… will play up and down that family of devices" – Xbox's Matt Booty ends the next-gen exclusive as we know it | first = Seth | last = Barton | date = January 10, 2020 | access-date = January 10, 2020 | magazine = MCV/Develop | archive-date = January 11, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200111023051/https://www.mcvuk.com/we-need-to-deliver-on-the-promises-that-we-make-xbox-game-studios-matt-booty-on-the-future-of-xbox/ | url-status = live }} Booty said that with the large number of studios they had recently acquired, as well as ongoing external partnerships and their Xbox Game Pass service, the Studios are able to support a "breadth of offerings in the portfolio" designed to attract a large number of players.{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/7/20/21330919/xbox-game-studios-phil-spencer-interview-matt-booty-series-x | title = Xbox Series X will have Microsoft's 'most diverse collection of first-party games' | first = Michael | last = McWhertor | date = July 20, 2020 | access-date = July 20, 2020 | work = Polygon | archive-date = July 20, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200720143227/https://www.polygon.com/interviews/2020/7/20/21330919/xbox-game-studios-phil-spencer-interview-matt-booty-series-x | url-status = live }} Further, in an interview in November 2020, Phil Spencer said during an interview regarding the future of the Xbox brand that he intends to put more focus on outputting RPGs, which had to that point been underserved.{{Cite web | url = https://wccftech.com/phil-spencer-focus-rpg/ | title = Phil Spencer Says Xbox Needs to Focus More on RPGs; "Is An Area That We Should Focus" | first = Aernout | last = van de Velde | date = November 18, 2020 | access-date = December 3, 2020 | work = wccftech | archive-date = December 9, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201209192901/https://wccftech.com/phil-spencer-focus-rpg/ | url-status = live }}

Microsoft and ZeniMax Media announced on September 21, 2020, that Microsoft planned to acquire ZeniMax and its family of studios, which include Bethesda Game Studios, Arkane Studios, id Software, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, and ZeniMax Online Studios, for over {{USD|7.5 billion}} in cash.{{cite web | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-21/microsoft-to-buy-bethesda-studios-for-7-5-billion-to-boost-xbox?srnd=premium&sref=4wt71Nx9 | title = Microsoft to Buy Bethesda for $7.5 Billion to Boost Xbox | first1 = Dina | last1 = Bass | first2 = Jason | last2 = Schreier | date = September 21, 2020 | access-date = September 21, 2020 | work = Bloomberg News | archive-date = September 24, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200924011528/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-09-21/microsoft-to-buy-bethesda-studios-for-7-5-billion-to-boost-xbox?srnd=premium&sref=4wt71Nx9 | url-status = live }}{{Cite web|url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/21/welcoming-bethesda-to-the-xbox-family/|title=Welcoming the Talented Teams and Beloved Game Franchises of Bethesda to Xbox|work=Xbox.com|date=September 21, 2020|access-date=October 4, 2020|archive-date=October 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004023805/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/21/welcoming-bethesda-to-the-xbox-family/|url-status=live}} According to Spencer, the ZeniMax acquisition was intended to give Microsoft a large library of games known around the world, and to expand the library of Xbox Game Pass and XCloud.{{cite web | url = https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/xbox-phil-spencer-todd-howard-interview | title = How Xbox outgrew the console: inside Phil Spencer's multi-billion dollar gamble | first = Same | last = White | date = November 15, 2021 | accessdate = November 15, 2021 | work = GQ | archive-date = November 15, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211115130242/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/xbox-phil-spencer-todd-howard-interview | url-status = live }} However, during 2023 hearings regarding the Federal Trade Commission's concern over the proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, Spencer said that Sony Interactive Entertainment had made sways at Bethesda to keep Starfield as a PlayStation-exclusive, further prompting Microsoft to purchase Zenimax.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/starfield-could-have-been-a-playstation-exclusive-prompting-microsofts-zenimax-acquisition/1100-6515472/?ftag=CAD-01-10abi2f | title = Starfield Could Have Been A PlayStation Exclusive, Prompting Microsoft's ZeniMax Acquisition | first = Luis Joshua | last = Gutierrez | date = June 23, 2023 | accessdate = June 23, 2023 | work = GameSpot }} Both U.S. and European Union regulatory agencies approved the acquisition by early March 2021,{{cite web | url = https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-08-microsofts-usd7-5bn-deal-to-acquire-zenimax-approved-in-the-us-and-eu | title = Microsoft's $7.5bn acquisition of ZeniMax approved in the US and EU | first = Wesley | last = Yin-Poole | date = March 8, 2021 | accessdate = March 8, 2021 | work = Eurogamer | archive-date = March 8, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210308174905/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-03-08-microsofts-usd7-5bn-deal-to-acquire-zenimax-approved-in-the-us-and-eu | url-status = live }} and the acquisition was formally completed by March 9, 2021.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ | title = Microsoft confirms its Bethesda acquisition is complete and 'some games' will be exclusive | first = Andy | last = Robinson | date = March 9, 2021 | accessdate = March 9, 2021 | work = Video Games Chronicle | archive-date = March 9, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164348/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ | url-status = live }} The total price of the deal was $8.1 billion{{cite web|url=https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155|title=Form 10-K|page=39|website=SEC|date=June 30, 2021|accessdate=August 7, 2021|archive-date=August 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806183040/https://microsoft.gcs-web.com/static-files/0a2b8528-fb8b-4d11-8da2-fd9fa988a155|url-status=live}} Bethesda Softworks, the primarily publisher for all of ZeniMax's games, remained as an operational unit under Microsoft with the acquisition and retained all its current leadership.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/9/22319124/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-complete-finalized | title = Microsoft completes Bethesda acquisition, promises some Xbox and PC exclusives | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = March 9, 2021 | accessdate = March 11, 2021 | work = The Verge | archive-date = March 10, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210310020711/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/9/22319124/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-complete-finalized | url-status = live }} With the acquisition, future games from the studios will be exclusive to Xbox consoles, but existing commitments to other platforms (such as Arkane Studios' Deathloop and Tango Gameworks' Ghostwire: Tokyo, which are contractually exclusive to PlayStation 5 for a period of 12 months before their release on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S) will still be honored.{{cite web | url = https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/03/microsoft-confirms-some-new-bethesda-titles-will-be-exclusive-to-xbox-pc/ | title = Microsoft confirms "some" new Bethesda titles will be exclusive to Xbox, PC | first = Kyle | last = Orland | date = March 9, 2021 | accessdate = March 9, 2021 | work = Ars Technica | archive-date = March 9, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210309155004/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/03/microsoft-confirms-some-new-bethesda-titles-will-be-exclusive-to-xbox-pc/ | url-status = live }} Spencer stated that Game Pass was also fundamental driver for the acquisition.{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/11/22325757/microsoft-xbox-bethesda-acquisition-game-pass-exclusive-games-phil-spencer-comment | title = Xbox boss says Microsoft's Bethesda deal was all about exclusive games for Game Pass | first = Tom | last = Warren | date = March 11, 2021 | accessdate = March 11, 2021 | work = The Verge | archive-date = March 11, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210311200349/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/11/22325757/microsoft-xbox-bethesda-acquisition-game-pass-exclusive-games-phil-spencer-comment | url-status = live }} A preliminary injunction to block the acquisition had been sought in an ongoing class-action lawsuit that ZeniMax faced over Fallout 4, with the plaintiffs in the case arguing that Microsoft could shield ZeniMax's assets from damages should they be found liable after the acquisition.{{cite web | url = https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/377927/Ongoing_Fallout_4_DLC_lawsuit_could_impact_Microsofts_takeover_of_Bethesda.php | title = Ongoing Fallout 4 DLC lawsuit could impact Microsoft's takeover of Bethesda | first = Chris | last = Kerr | date = February 25, 2021 | access-date = February 25, 2021 | work = Gamasutra | archive-date = February 25, 2021 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210225173513/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/377927/Ongoing_Fallout_4_DLC_lawsuit_could_impact_Microsofts_takeover_of_Bethesda.php | url-status = dead }} The ZeniMax Board of Directors was dissolved following the Microsoft purchase.{{cite web|first=Eddie|last=Makuch|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zenimax-board-of-directors-dissolved-after-xboxs-bethesda-purchase/1100-6488918/|title=ZeniMax Board Of Directors Dissolved After Xbox's Bethesda Purchase|website=GameSpot|date=March 17, 2021|accessdate=March 17, 2021|archive-date=March 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321203649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zenimax-board-of-directors-dissolved-after-xboxs-bethesda-purchase/1100-6488918/|url-status=live}}

{{main|Acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft}}

On January 18, 2022, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Activision Blizzard in an all-cash deal valued at $68.7 billion. Microsoft stated that this acquisition would make it the third-largest gaming company by revenue, following Tencent and Sony. With the announcement, Microsoft also announced a major change to its corporate structure, with Phil Spencer becoming CEO of the new division Microsoft Gaming, with Matt Booty leading Xbox Game Studios under it. Once approved, Activision Blizzard would then become a subdivision of Microsoft Gaming.{{Cite web|last=Kovach|first=Steve|date=January 18, 2022|title=Microsoft to buy Activision in $68.7 billion all-cash deal|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-buy-activision.html|access-date=January 18, 2022|website=CNBC|language=en|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118154835/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-buy-activision.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Warren|first=Tom|date=January 18, 2022|title=Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/18/22889258/microsoft-activision-blizzard-xbox-acquisition-call-of-duty-overwatch|access-date=January 18, 2022|website=The Verge|language=en|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118133548/https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/18/22889258/microsoft-activision-blizzard-xbox-acquisition-call-of-duty-overwatch|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Welcoming the Incredible Teams and Legendary Franchises of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft Gaming |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/01/18/welcoming-activision-blizzard-to-microsoft-gaming/ |website=Xbox |publisher=Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming |access-date=January 19, 2022 |date=January 18, 2022 |archive-date=January 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119130657/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/01/18/welcoming-activision-blizzard-to-microsoft-gaming/ |url-status=live }} The deal was cleared by various national regulators by October 13, 2023, with Microsoft closing the deal the same day.{{cite web | url = https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-has-officially-completed-its-acquisition-of-activision-blizzard/| title = Microsoft has officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard | first = Tom | last = Ivan | date = October 13, 2023 | accessdate = October 13, 2023 | work = Video Games Chronicle }}

During litigation on the merger with the United States Federal Trade Commission, internal documents from Microsoft {{Circa|2020}} show strong interest in re-acquiring Bungie, or acquiring Sega's game development companies, Supergiant Games, Niantic, Inc., Thunderful Group, Zynga, IO Interactive, Scopely, or Playrix as part of Xbox Game Studios,{{cite web | url = https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/26/23774482/microsoft-sega-bungie-acquisition-targets-internal-email-xbox | title = Microsoft considered acquiring Bungie and Sega to bolster Xbox Game Pass, internal emails show | first = Tom | last= Warren | date = June 26, 2023 | accessdate = June 26, 2023 | work = The Verge }} as well as publisher Square Enix to help bolster its Asian presence and mobile market share.{{cite web | url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/court-docs-reveal-microsoft-considered-buying-final-fantasy-publisher-square-enix/ | title=Court docs reveal Microsoft considered buying Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix | date=June 28, 2023 }}

In January 2023, Microsoft laid off 10,000 employees, which represented about 5% of its global workforce. Included in those layoffs were many employees from 343 Industries, The Coalition, and Bethesda Game Studios.{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Microsoft Slashes 10K Jobs, Including At Xbox And Halo Studios |url=https://kotaku.com/microsoft-layoff-xbox-343-halo-bethesda-coalition-1850002600 |access-date=March 2, 2024 |website=Kotaku |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Microsoft set to cull 10,000 jobs |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/microsoft-reportedly-set-to-cut-thousands-of-jobs |access-date=March 2, 2024 |work=Eurogamer.net |language=en}} On October 26, 2023, Microsoft announced the promotion of several employees in the company, including Sarah Bond being promoted to president of Xbox, overseeing all Xbox platform, business, and hardware work, and Matt Booty promoted from president of Xbox to president of Game Content and Studios, including the new responsibility of overseeing ZeniMax and Bethesda, with Jamie Leder still running Zenimax as a limited integration entity, but now reporting to Matt.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=October 26, 2023 |title=Microsoft reorgs its Xbox and marketing teams to prepare for an AI and gaming future |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/10/26/23933049/microsoft-reorg-xbox-marketing-ai-leadership-changes |access-date=October 26, 2023 |website=The Verge |language=en}} In the wake of Matt Booty's promotion, Alan Hartman, then the head of Turn 10, was subsequently promoted to head of Xbox Game Studios.{{Cite web |date=November 10, 2023 |title=Turn 10's Alan Hartman is the new head of Xbox Game Studios |url=https://www.engadget.com/turn-10s-alan-hartman-is-the-new-head-of-xbox-game-studios-095546957.html |access-date=November 15, 2023 |website=Engadget |language=en-US}} On October 6, 2024, 343 Industries officially announced their rebranding as Halo Studios, additionally confirming that multiple Halo games were in development and that said projects would now use Unreal Engine 5 as opposed to the proprietary Slipspace Engine that powered Halo Infinite.{{Cite web |publisher=343 Industries |title=A New Dawn |url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/a-new-dawn |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=www.halowaypoint.com |language=en-us}} On October 14, Rare creative lead Craig Duncan was announced to be succeeding Alan Hartman as head of Xbox Game Studios beginning in November 2024, with Hartman retiring after a three-decade tenure at Microsoft.{{Cite web |last=Warren |first=Tom |date=October 14, 2024 |title=Rare boss Craig Duncan promoted to Xbox Game Studios chief |url=https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/14/24269896/microsoft-xbox-game-studios-craig-duncan-promotion |access-date=October 14, 2024 |website=The Verge |language=en}}

Over 2024 and 2025, a series of video games published by Microsoft Gaming divisions, most notably Xbox Game Studios' titles, were released on PlayStation and Nintendo consoles under an initiative to pivot focus from the Xbox series of consoles and eventually cease to produce exclusive titles for the consoles like Sega.{{Cite web |last=Ivan |first=Tom |date=2025-02-25 |title=Xbox Game Studios boss says multiplatform approach is ‘good for players and developers’ |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-game-studios-boss-says-multiplatform-approach-is-good-for-players-and-developers/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=VGC |language=en-US}} Xbox Game Studios had also released Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Nintendo Entertainment System and Nintendo 64 video games on the Nintendo Switch Online service in 2024, all of whom were developed by Rare and in some cases, formerly published by Nintendo.{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Andy |date=2024-02-21 |title=Classic Rare games have been added to Nintendo Switch Online |url=https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/classic-rare-games-have-been-added-to-nintendo-switch-online/ |access-date=2025-03-03 |website=VGC |language=en-US}}

; Sold or spun off

• Access Software/Salt Lake Games Studio/Indie Games — Links series — Sold to Take-Two Interactive in 2004
• Bungie — Halo series — Spun off in 2007{{cite web | last = Boyes | first = Emma | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/bungie-and-microsoft-officially-split/1100-6180462/ | title = Bungie and Microsoft officially split | website = GameSpot | publisher = Fandom, Inc. | date = October 5, 2007 | access-date = June 24, 2023}}
• Lift London — Removed from Microsoft's games business in 2019{{cite web | url = https://mspoweruser.com/microsofts-lift-london-is-not-defunct-social-media-closed-as-focus-is-shifted-away-from-games/ | title = Microsoft's Lift London is not defunct; social media closed as focus is shifted away from games | first = Lewis | last = White | date = January 3, 2019 | website = MSPoweruser | access-date = February 8, 2019 | archive-date = March 30, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190330093749/https://mspoweruser.com/microsofts-lift-london-is-not-defunct-social-media-closed-as-focus-is-shifted-away-from-games/ | url-status = live }}
• Twisted Pixel Games — The Gunstringer, LocoCycle, The Maw, 'Splosion Man — Spun off in 2015
• WingNut Interactive — Peter Jackson's joint venture game studio — Sold to WingNut Films{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/microsoft-peter-jackson-to-form-game-studio/|website=CNET|title=Microsoft, Peter Jackson to form game studio|first=Daniel|last=Terdiman|date=September 28, 2006|access-date=March 5, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305200933/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/microsoft-peter-jackson-to-form-game-studio/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/jacksons-wingnut-studio-still-working-on-original-properties|website=GamesIndustry|title=Jackson's Wingnut studio still working on original properties|first=Kath|last=Brice|date=July 28, 2009|access-date=March 5, 2022|archive-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305202436/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/jacksons-wingnut-studio-still-working-on-original-properties|url-status=live}}

; Closed or consolidated

• Aces Game Studio — Microsoft Flight Simulator series — Closed
• BigPark — Kinect Joy Ride, Kinect Sports: Season Two, Joy Ride Turbo — Consolidated
• Carbonated Games — Closed
• Digital Anvil — Brute Force, Freelancer, Starlancer — Consolidated{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/digital-anvil-melted-down/1100-6140687/ | title = Digital Anvil melted down | date = December 1, 2005 | last = Thorsen | first = Tor | website = GameSpot | access-date = February 5, 2020 | archive-date = February 5, 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205165433/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/digital-anvil-melted-down/1100-6140687/ | url-status = live }}
• Ensemble Studios — Age of Empires series, Age of Mythology series, Halo Wars — Closed
• FASA Studio — Crimson Skies series, MechAssault series, MechWarrior series, Shadowrun — Closed
• Good Science Studio — Kinect Adventures, Kinect Fun Labs, Kinect Star Wars — Consolidated
• Hired Gun — Halo 2 PC port — Consolidated{{cite web | url = https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-2-pc-going-offline-next-month/1100-6402546/ | title = Halo 2 PC going offline next month | first = Eddie | last = Makuch | date = January 17, 2013 | website = GameSpot | access-date = January 27, 2019 | archive-date = March 20, 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211817/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-2-pc-going-offline-next-month/1100-6402546/ | url-status = live }}
• Lionhead Studios — Fable series, Black & White series — Closed
• Microsoft Game Studios Japan — Blue Dragon series, Every Party, Lost Odyssey, Magatama, Phantom Dust, Shenmue II Xbox port, True Fantasy Live Online — Closed
• Microsoft Studios Victoria — Closed
• Press Play — Max: The Curse of Brotherhood, Kalimba — Closed
• Team Dakota — Project Spark — Consolidated
• Xbox Entertainment Studios — Closed
• Xbox Live Productions — Consolidated

{{Main|List of Xbox Game Studios video games}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-game-studios}}

{{Xbox Game Studios}}

{{Microsoft video gaming}}

{{Microsoft}}

{{Halo}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2000 establishments in Washington (state)

Category:American companies established in 2000

Category:Companies based in Redmond, Washington

Category:First-party video game developers

Category:Microsoft Gaming

Category:Video game companies based in Washington (state)

Category:Video game companies established in 2000

Category:Video game development companies

Category:Video game publishers

Game Studios