I don't see how that's a console war thing. That wouldn't tilt the scales, just a nice addition.
But if CDR is too big of a get, how about the studio that made Deliverance Kingdom Come?
Xbox Rumors and Speculation
- Thread starter Andy
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I don't see how that's a console war thing. That wouldn't tilt the scales, just a nice addition.
But if CDR is too big of a get, how about the studio that made Deliverance Kingdom Come?
I don't think so either but we know what people are really thinking. Same with why some here were hoping they would buy EA (not that CDPR is comparable)
CD Project Red acquisition is a pipe dream. Unless MS is willing to throw Minecraft money at them for their acquisition with little in return. If they're going to spend that kind of cash, I'd rather them pick up Capcom, Sega or Square-Enix to get returns on their money. Plus an instant xbox/windows 10 boost in Japan.
Yeah I can't see CDP being acquired by MS, though it'd be awesome. I'd love for MS to get Remedy, if nothing more than so we could get AW2 
If MS buys CDProjekt Red, they can officially compete with Sony's first party. That would be a massive get.
It makes no sense at all to think CDPR would sell to MS (or Sony or really anyone else). And as much as their games are praise-worthy, where they are without a doubt the best in the goddamned industry is GOG, which blows Steam out of the water and takes a steaming dump on the Windows Store. They don't need corporate overlords or a financial rescue, they just need to keep doing what they do.
I don't get why anyone wants CDPR to be bought by MS , we are already getting their games on Xbox consoles so buying CDPR does nothing but take their games away from someone else it doesn't actually benefit Xbox owners at all. MS is much better off buying smaller studios and building them up or starting new ones from scratch.
What if they take them in as a 2nd party, they could make fable
and with those funds continue to make their own ip independently
What if they take them in as a 2nd party, they could make fable
They are already making their own IP's and they take many years to do it, don't think it'd work out too well
Plus a new studio is already working on that right? 
MS buying CD Projeckt Red. I think there is a higher chance you hear my engagement to Taylor Swift.
I agree, though both are astronomically unlikely. Now, hearing about your breakup from Taylor Swift in an album containing at least 13 songs related to the end of that relationship is, by my calculations, 184% likely.
https://www.pcgamesinsider.biz/indu...shed-so-much-cash-on-its-first-party-line-up/
Behind the scenes on Microsoft's E3 2018 spending spree - Matt Booty on why the Big M splashed so much cash on its first-party line-up
Alex CalvinJuly 17th, 2018 - 01:00pm
By , Editor - PC Games Insider
At Microsoft's E3 showcase this year, the company tried to shut down those who criticised the company's, admittedly, less-than-stellar first-party line-up of developers.
Head of games Phil Spencer announced the purchase of not one, not two, not THREE, but four studios in Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Compulsion and Undead Labs, while also establishing a brand new developer called The Initiative in California's Santa Monica.
It was a true mic drop moment that comes at the end of a few lacklustre years for Microsoft's own games output - and not long after the closure of Fable maker Lionhead in 2016.
We caught up with recently-appointed CVP of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty to find out a bit more about these deals.
What was the thinking behind the wave of acquisitions Microsoft recently announced?
We know the exclusive games from our own studios are what originally turned many gamers into Xbox fans. That’s why we continue to expand the Microsoft Studios franchises players already love, while making an investment in new exclusive games for every player, on every device. It’s with this vision that we welcomed The Initiative, Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games to the Microsoft Studios family. Our view on studios and partners includes three general categories: long-term partners that we can bring in to the fold and help them grow to their next level, smaller studios built around creative leaders and the ability to explore unique stories and characters, and lastly, starting new projects around proven veteran leaders. Content is central to our relationship with our fans and also with our goal as first-party to support our larger gaming strategies.
Why were these acquisitions made now?
Having a collection of dedicated first-party game development studios is a powerful and unique asset. We are the first to implement new technologies, the first to deliver content for new platforms, the first to explore new business models. It enables us to build a portfolio of exclusive games, and this was the right time to increase that investment. It is also interesting to observe the changes in the industry.
While the industry is growing across the board, there seems to be fewer teams and studios focused on 'mid-tier' games that sit between triple-A blockbusters on one end and smaller indie games on the other. Those are some of the kinds of studios that we're interested in partnering with right now, studios with teams that can make quality, crafted games that sit just between mid-tier and triple-A and by becoming part of our Microsoft Studios family, can focus on craft and innovation and accelerate their creative growth.
What were the criteria by which you decided which companies were worth your time (and money!)?
We didn’t have set criteria. We were looking for teams and talent with a proven track record of delivering differentiated gaming experiences. Collectively, the new studios have the creative power and operational excellence to deliver the next industry game changers. My personal framework for looking at new teams and projects is that we must bet on people, teams and ideas. Each of the studios we are adding to our first-party family is really first and foremost organised around great creative leaders who love the craft of making video games.
Earlier in the year, there were rumours about Microsoft looking into buying big companies such as EA, PUBG Corp and even Valve. That, in itself, isn't all too surprising as all sizeable firms are always on the look for purchases. But why did Microsoft decide to make multiple, smaller acquisitions opposed to one larger one?
We were never focused on the size of a studio or the number of acquisitions. Regardless of size, studios develop unique cultures that fuel their creativity and innovation. For us, it came down to finding the right teams who can not only deliver great games but also fit well with the Microsoft Studios family. We also believe that the diversity of content is valuable. There is value in having studios in different parts of the world as those teams bring unique points of view and unique talents to game development. We are fortunate to have a great line-up of long-running triple-A franchises with Halo, Gears of War, Minecraft, Forza, Age of Empires and so on. Adding smaller teams with a focus on characters and stories helps round out the total portfolio.
What has the reception been like from the industry?
The reception from the industry and fans alike has been positive and motivating. From excitement over the new acquisitions to the recruitment response we’ve seen in Santa Monica after announcing the creation of our new studio The Initiative, there’s great positive energy we can’t wait to harness into producing innovative work for fans.
These acquisitions come not too long after Microsoft announced the closure to Lionhead. Why has Microsoft decided to invest so heavily in its first-party roster of studios after closing one of its most iconic development houses?
These decisions are guided by our continued evaluation of how all the games in our portfolio fit with our long-term vision to make Xbox and Windows 10 the best places to play. It is always an incredibly difficult decision to close a studio or cancel a game, but our first responsibility is bringing the best possible experience to fans.
In addition to buying a series of companies, Microsoft has also set up The Initiative - with some really impressive talent, no less in Darrell Gallagher. How do the objectives of this outfit compare to those of the other companies you have purchased?
Gallagher is an industry veteran and his team is working to create ground-breaking new worlds, characters, and game experiences. The Initiative has the best of both worlds in that they’re given the freedom to explore, try new things and operate like an independent studio, while still having the backing from Microsoft to do something bold and different. Their objectives don’t necessarily differ from the other new teams joining Microsoft Studios. All are focused on creating the next industry game changers. We are going to bet on long-term partners, bet on studios based around creative leaders, and bet on new leaders by building studios around proven industry veterans. The Initiative falls into the last category. It's been great working with Darrell and he's setting up an interesting balance between an indie studio and a studio that has the support and backing of Microsoft.
Behind the scenes on Microsoft's E3 2018 spending spree - Matt Booty on why the Big M splashed so much cash on its first-party line-up
Alex CalvinJuly 17th, 2018 - 01:00pm
By , Editor - PC Games Insider
At Microsoft's E3 showcase this year, the company tried to shut down those who criticised the company's, admittedly, less-than-stellar first-party line-up of developers.
Head of games Phil Spencer announced the purchase of not one, not two, not THREE, but four studios in Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Compulsion and Undead Labs, while also establishing a brand new developer called The Initiative in California's Santa Monica.
It was a true mic drop moment that comes at the end of a few lacklustre years for Microsoft's own games output - and not long after the closure of Fable maker Lionhead in 2016.
We caught up with recently-appointed CVP of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty to find out a bit more about these deals.
What was the thinking behind the wave of acquisitions Microsoft recently announced?
We know the exclusive games from our own studios are what originally turned many gamers into Xbox fans. That’s why we continue to expand the Microsoft Studios franchises players already love, while making an investment in new exclusive games for every player, on every device. It’s with this vision that we welcomed The Initiative, Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games to the Microsoft Studios family. Our view on studios and partners includes three general categories: long-term partners that we can bring in to the fold and help them grow to their next level, smaller studios built around creative leaders and the ability to explore unique stories and characters, and lastly, starting new projects around proven veteran leaders. Content is central to our relationship with our fans and also with our goal as first-party to support our larger gaming strategies.
Why were these acquisitions made now?
Having a collection of dedicated first-party game development studios is a powerful and unique asset. We are the first to implement new technologies, the first to deliver content for new platforms, the first to explore new business models. It enables us to build a portfolio of exclusive games, and this was the right time to increase that investment. It is also interesting to observe the changes in the industry.
While the industry is growing across the board, there seems to be fewer teams and studios focused on 'mid-tier' games that sit between triple-A blockbusters on one end and smaller indie games on the other. Those are some of the kinds of studios that we're interested in partnering with right now, studios with teams that can make quality, crafted games that sit just between mid-tier and triple-A and by becoming part of our Microsoft Studios family, can focus on craft and innovation and accelerate their creative growth.
What were the criteria by which you decided which companies were worth your time (and money!)?
We didn’t have set criteria. We were looking for teams and talent with a proven track record of delivering differentiated gaming experiences. Collectively, the new studios have the creative power and operational excellence to deliver the next industry game changers. My personal framework for looking at new teams and projects is that we must bet on people, teams and ideas. Each of the studios we are adding to our first-party family is really first and foremost organised around great creative leaders who love the craft of making video games.
Earlier in the year, there were rumours about Microsoft looking into buying big companies such as EA, PUBG Corp and even Valve. That, in itself, isn't all too surprising as all sizeable firms are always on the look for purchases. But why did Microsoft decide to make multiple, smaller acquisitions opposed to one larger one?
We were never focused on the size of a studio or the number of acquisitions. Regardless of size, studios develop unique cultures that fuel their creativity and innovation. For us, it came down to finding the right teams who can not only deliver great games but also fit well with the Microsoft Studios family. We also believe that the diversity of content is valuable. There is value in having studios in different parts of the world as those teams bring unique points of view and unique talents to game development. We are fortunate to have a great line-up of long-running triple-A franchises with Halo, Gears of War, Minecraft, Forza, Age of Empires and so on. Adding smaller teams with a focus on characters and stories helps round out the total portfolio.
What has the reception been like from the industry?
The reception from the industry and fans alike has been positive and motivating. From excitement over the new acquisitions to the recruitment response we’ve seen in Santa Monica after announcing the creation of our new studio The Initiative, there’s great positive energy we can’t wait to harness into producing innovative work for fans.
These acquisitions come not too long after Microsoft announced the closure to Lionhead. Why has Microsoft decided to invest so heavily in its first-party roster of studios after closing one of its most iconic development houses?
These decisions are guided by our continued evaluation of how all the games in our portfolio fit with our long-term vision to make Xbox and Windows 10 the best places to play. It is always an incredibly difficult decision to close a studio or cancel a game, but our first responsibility is bringing the best possible experience to fans.
In addition to buying a series of companies, Microsoft has also set up The Initiative - with some really impressive talent, no less in Darrell Gallagher. How do the objectives of this outfit compare to those of the other companies you have purchased?
Gallagher is an industry veteran and his team is working to create ground-breaking new worlds, characters, and game experiences. The Initiative has the best of both worlds in that they’re given the freedom to explore, try new things and operate like an independent studio, while still having the backing from Microsoft to do something bold and different. Their objectives don’t necessarily differ from the other new teams joining Microsoft Studios. All are focused on creating the next industry game changers. We are going to bet on long-term partners, bet on studios based around creative leaders, and bet on new leaders by building studios around proven industry veterans. The Initiative falls into the last category. It's been great working with Darrell and he's setting up an interesting balance between an indie studio and a studio that has the support and backing of Microsoft.
Well that's disappointing. Wasn't the biggest Alan Wake fan but loved Quantum Break. That had the feel of a franchise.
Well to be fair that isn't exactly what was said. At the time they didn't want to make sequels. That doesn't necessarily mean they don't have interest now although it certainly sounds like Remedy has moved on.
Does anyone know how big The Initiative is? I was under the impression they were going to be a large AAA studio. This has me thinking they're more indie sized.
The studio is supposed to be a large AAA(A) studio.
https://www.windowscentral.com/what-can-we-realistically-expect-new-xbox-aaa-studio
And according to the new developer:
https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/06/10/e3-2018-microsoft-studios-opens-the-initiative/
Here is their website:
https://initiativegaming.com/
Microsoft CEO Confirms That Company Will Continue To Invest Aggressively In Gaming
Microsoft has reason to feel validated in its gaming strategy- the company earned a staggering $10 billion from gaming over the last year, which was up from over $9 billion the year before. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Microsoft views gaming as a lucrative strategic opportunity- but they also seem to finally understand that they need to actually invest more in the field to be able to get the most out of it.
Which would, for example, explain Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s assertion during a financial call earlier today that the company will continue to invest in gaming, in every aspect from content to delivery to services, and beyond.
“In gaming, we’re pursuing our expansive opportunity from the way games are created and distributed, to how they’re played and viewed, surpassing ten billion revenue this year for the first time. We’re investing aggressively in content, community, and cloud services across every end-point to expand usage and deepen engagement with gamers,” he said.
https://gamingbolt.com/microsoft-ce...ill-continue-to-invest-aggressively-in-gaming
Microsoft has reason to feel validated in its gaming strategy- the company earned a staggering $10 billion from gaming over the last year, which was up from over $9 billion the year before. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Microsoft views gaming as a lucrative strategic opportunity- but they also seem to finally understand that they need to actually invest more in the field to be able to get the most out of it.
Which would, for example, explain Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s assertion during a financial call earlier today that the company will continue to invest in gaming, in every aspect from content to delivery to services, and beyond.
“In gaming, we’re pursuing our expansive opportunity from the way games are created and distributed, to how they’re played and viewed, surpassing ten billion revenue this year for the first time. We’re investing aggressively in content, community, and cloud services across every end-point to expand usage and deepen engagement with gamers,” he said.
https://gamingbolt.com/microsoft-ce...ill-continue-to-invest-aggressively-in-gaming
If they can pull in that kind of money being the arguably 3rd best console this generation, imagaine what they could do when/if they get their act together with their 1st and 2nd party studios.
First Microsoft was going to buy EA now they want CD Project Red? Might as well, they want to focus on western games anyway. Football and Witcher baby. We got all you need on team green.
Seriously though, why don't they just build a couple studios right now and put all their money into them? With delays and every big game taking 4-5 years to make anyway that puts them right in line with everyone else next gen just about.
Seriously though, why don't they just build a couple studios right now and put all their money into them? With delays and every big game taking 4-5 years to make anyway that puts them right in line with everyone else next gen just about.
Rumors incoming! Decent sized rumor this time. Klobrille at Resetera (pretty reliable source) says there are letters of intent to Obsidian. Not a done deal by any means. It does mean talks have gone far and Microsoft wants to make it happen.
In my opinion, Obsidian would be an excellent pickup. They are where Bioware was when Bioware released KOTOR and Jade Empire (IMO again). Great storytellers and world builders. Strong RPG game design. Need to increase their development budgets to bring their worlds and characters to the mainstream.
They would fill a lot of gaps for Microsoft. Western RPG studio who already appeals to PC. Wiith some increased budget, could break through on consoles. To this point, their games are slower paced meaning they aren’t latency sensitive and could literally stream to any device. POE could be made to play well on a tablet and that’s a recent, critically acclaimed release.
One of my top picks for studios Microsoft should target so would be really happy if this buyout happens.
In my opinion, Obsidian would be an excellent pickup. They are where Bioware was when Bioware released KOTOR and Jade Empire (IMO again). Great storytellers and world builders. Strong RPG game design. Need to increase their development budgets to bring their worlds and characters to the mainstream.
They would fill a lot of gaps for Microsoft. Western RPG studio who already appeals to PC. Wiith some increased budget, could break through on consoles. To this point, their games are slower paced meaning they aren’t latency sensitive and could literally stream to any device. POE could be made to play well on a tablet and that’s a recent, critically acclaimed release.
One of my top picks for studios Microsoft should target so would be really happy if this buyout happens.
They've done a lot of RPGs, including Fallout New Vegas and Alpha Protocol.
From the wiki:
Although they have created original intellectual property, many of their games are sequels based on licensed properties. Early projects include Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and Neverwinter Nights 2, both sequels to BioWare-developed games. The team then developed their first original game, Alpha Protocol, in 2010. It was met with generally mixed reviews. Other notable works from Obsidian include Fallout: New Vegas, Dungeon Siege III, and South Park: The Stick of Truth, all also licensed properties.
Throughout the studio's history, many projects—including Futureblight, Dwarves, Aliens: Crucible, and Stormlands—were cancelled. Due to having so many projects cancelled, the company entered a severe financial crisis in 2012. As a result, Obsidian decided to crowdfund their next game, Pillars of Eternity, a role-playing game played from an isometric perspective, which ultimately became a success and saved the studio from closure.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsidian_Entertainment
Sounds like they've been dancing on the verge of bankruptcy for a while, so they are probably open to being bought out.
They are far more popular in the PC community. Pillars of Eternity is highly rated. Their work on Fallout: New Vegas and South Park shows they have versatility.
Bioware had similar acclaim about the time they were handed the KOTOR license. Getting more support, a bigger budget and tweaking their games to work better on consoles led to Mass Effect. I could see a similar transition with Obsidian. Would like to see some Bioware poaching if this acquisition happens.
Obsidian and Remedy would be HUGE! Hope something comes from this. Thanks for the update!