Xbox Game Studios

Microsoft Game Studios

Microsoft Studios logo

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Phil Spencer Xbox

Xbox Game Studios, formerly known as Microsoft Studios, is a division of Microsoft Corporation responsible for the development and publishing of video games for the Microsoft Windows platform, Xbox consoles, and other Microsoft platforms. The division was established in March 2000 and has grown to include a wide range of studios around the world.

History

Xbox Game Studios was initially formed as Microsoft Games in 2000, with the aim of creating video games for the then-upcoming Xbox console. In 2001, the division was rebranded as Microsoft Game Studios. Over the years, it expanded its operations by acquiring several independent game development studios and rebranding them under its umbrella. In 2011, the division was renamed Microsoft Studios. In February 2019, it was rebranded as Xbox Game Studios to better reflect its association with the Xbox brand and its gaming community.

Acquisitions and Studios

Xbox Game Studios has acquired numerous game development companies, significantly expanding its portfolio and capabilities in the gaming industry. Some of the notable studios under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella include:

• 343 Industries, known for the Halo series
• The Coalition, which specializes in the Gears of War series
• Mojang Studios, the developer behind the global phenomenon Minecraft
• Ninja Theory, known for titles such as Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice
• Obsidian Entertainment, famous for RPGs like The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity
• Playground Games, best known for the Forza Horizon series
• Rare, the studio behind games like Sea of Thieves and the classic Banjo-Kazooie series
• Turn 10 Studios, which develops the Forza Motorsport series
• Undead Labs, known for the State of Decay series
• Bethesda Game Studios, acquired as part of the ZeniMax Media purchase, known for the The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series

Publishing and Distribution

In addition to developing games through its studios, Xbox Game Studios also publishes and distributes a wide range of video games for various platforms. This includes not only games developed by its own studios but also titles from third-party developers. The division is known for supporting both AAA and indie games, providing a diverse gaming ecosystem on Xbox and Windows platforms.

Initiatives

Xbox Game Studios has been at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at promoting gaming across various platforms. One of the key initiatives is the Xbox Game Pass, a subscription service that offers access to a vast library of games from both Xbox Game Studios and third-party developers. Another significant initiative is xCloud, Microsoft's cloud gaming service, which allows gamers to play Xbox games on various devices over the internet.

Impact on Gaming

Xbox Game Studios has played a significant role in shaping the modern gaming landscape. Through its acquisitions and development of high-quality games, it has contributed to the popularity and growth of the Xbox gaming ecosystem. The division's commitment to innovation, as seen in services like Xbox Game Pass and xCloud, continues to influence the industry's direction towards more accessible and flexible gaming experiences.