Xbox Game Studios Explained

Xbox Game Studios
Type:Division
Industry:Video games
Predecessor:Microsoft Games Group
Founders:-->
Hq Location City:Redmond, Washington
Hq Location Country:US
Area Served:Worldwide
Key People:Alan Hartman
(Head of Xbox Game Studios)
Products:See List of Xbox Game Studios video games
Parent:Microsoft Gaming
Subsid:See

Xbox Game Studios (previously known as Microsoft Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, and Microsoft Games) is an American video game publisher based in Redmond, Washington. It was established in March 2000, spun out from an internal Games Group, for the development and publishing of video games for Microsoft Windows. It has since expanded to include games and other interactive entertainment for the namesake Xbox platforms, other desktop operating systems, Windows Mobile and other mobile platforms, web-based portals, and other game consoles.

Xbox Game Studios, alongside ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard, are part of the Microsoft Gaming division led by Phil Spencer, who is chief executive officer of the division.[1]

History

As Microsoft Games and Microsoft Game Studios (2000–2011)

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.[2]

Microsoft acquired FASA Interactive in 1999 for its MechWarrior game series,[3] Access Software,[4] [5] and Aces Game Studio, which worked on Flight Simulator.[6] The Games Group had also established long-term publishing deals with developers like Ensemble Studios (Age of Empires, Age of Mythology),[7] and Digital Anvil (Starlancer).[8] Under Microsoft, FASA Interactive was renamed FASA Studio,[9] [10] and Access Software became Salt Lake Games Studio.[11]

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.[12] 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.[13] [14] Shane Kim served as the division's general manager.[15] In 2001, the division was renamed Microsoft Game Studios (MGS).[16]

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 .[17] 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.[18] Turn 10 Studios was established in 2001 for work on the Forza series of racing games.[19] In September 2002, Microsoft Game Studios acquired Rare, who had previously extensively developed for Nintendo platforms.[20] 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.[21] [22]

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.[23] 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 .[24] 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.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27] 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.[28] Later in 2007, Bungie amicably split from MGS to become a privately held independent company, with MGS retaining the rights to the Halo property.[29] Bungie continued to develop two additional Halo games for MGS, (2009) and (2010).[30] Simultaneously, MGS founded 343 Industries as an internal studio to develop future Halo games without Bungie.[31]

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.[32] 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 late-2000s financial crisis.[33] Within MGS, the studio had already planned to disband Ensemble Studios after the completion of Halo Wars in early 2009,[34] 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.[35] Later in 2009, Phil Spencer was promoted to corporate vice-president of MGS, in order to replace the retiring Shane Kim.[36] In 2010, MGS formed a mobile gaming studio, MGS Mobile Gaming, focused on developing gaming and entertainment multimedia for Windows Phone devices.[37] It also expanded Rare with a second studio in Digbeth, Birmingham.[38]

As Microsoft Studios (2011–2019)

By the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2011 in June 2011, Microsoft Game Studios was quietly renamed to Microsoft Studios.[39] Later in 2011, Microsoft Studios acquired Twisted Pixel Games.[40] 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.[41] Microsoft Studios acquired developer Press Play, known for developing Tentacles and Max & the Magic Marker.[42] They also announced a new development studio in London, England.[43] 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.[44] The reduced Vancouver studios were renamed to Black Tusk Studios and tasked with making similar franchise-building title as Halo.[45] [46]

In 2013, Microsoft established European studio Lift London, a studio that would create cloud-based games for tablets, mobiles and TVs.[47] 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.[48]

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.[49] 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.[50]

Shifting priorities under Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella

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.[51] [52] [53] 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.[54] Microsoft spent 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 .[55] 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.[56]

Additional intellectual property (IP) acquisitions by Microsoft Studios in 2014 included a publishing contract with Undead Labs for their game State of Decay,[57] the rights to the Gears of War series from Epic Games,[58] and the Rise of IP (Rise of Nations and ) from Big Huge Games.[59] Microsoft Studios assigned Gears of War to Black Tusk Studios, which was later rebranded in 2015 as The Coalition.[60]

In July 2014, it was announced that Xbox Entertainment Studios would be closed in the following months; the closure was completed by October 29.[61] 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.[62] 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.[63] Twisted Pixel and Microsoft Studios agreed to split in September 2015.[64]

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.[65] In 2016, Microsoft was perceived as "unifying PC and Xbox One" platforms.[66] 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.[67] [68] 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.[69] [70]

In September 2017, Spencer was promoted to the senior leadership team, gaining the title of "executive vice-president of gaming".[71] 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.[72] On June 10, 2018, during the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2018, Microsoft announced the acquisitions of Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games,[73] 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.[74] In November, Microsoft Studios announced further acquisitions with Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment.[75]

As Xbox Game Studios (2019–present)

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.[76] [77] At E3 2019, Xbox Game Studios announced it had acquired Double Fine,[78] and established a new internal studio dedicated to Age of Empires headed by Shannon Loftis, bringing their total studio count to fifteen.[79] This studio, later named World's Edge,[80] 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.[81]

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.[82] 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."[83]

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".[84] 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.[85] 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.[86] 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.[87]

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 in cash.[88] [89] 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.[90] 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.[91] Both U.S. and European Union regulatory agencies approved the acquisition by early March 2021,[92] and the acquisition was formally completed by March 9, 2021.[93] The total price of the deal was $8.1 billion[94] 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.[95] 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' , 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.[96] Spencer stated that Game Pass was also fundamental driver for the acquisition.[97] 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.[98] The ZeniMax Board of Directors was dissolved following the Microsoft purchase.[99]

See main article: 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.[100] [101] [102] The deal was cleared by various national regulators by October 13, 2023, with Microsoft closing the deal the same day.[103]

During litigation on the merger with the United States Federal Trade Commission, internal documents from Microsoft 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,[104] as well as publisher Square Enix to help bolster its Asian presence and mobile market share.[105]

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.[106] [107] 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.[108] 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.[109]

Studios

NameHeadquartersFoundedAcquiredNotable releases
343 IndustriesRedmond, Washington2007—Halo
The CoalitionVancouver2010—Gears of War
Compulsion GamesMontreal20092018Contrast, We Happy Few, South of Midnight
Double FineSan Francisco20002019Psychonauts, Brütal Legend, Broken Age
The InitiativeSanta Monica, California2018—Perfect Dark
inXile EntertainmentTustin, California20022018The Bard's Tale, Wasteland, , Clockwork Revolution
Mojang StudiosStockholm20092014Minecraft
Ninja TheoryCambridge20002018Kung Fu Chaos, Hellblade, Bleeding Edge
Obsidian EntertainmentIrvine, California20032018Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, Grounded, Pentiment
Playground GamesLeamington Spa20102018Forza Horizon, Fable
RareTwycross19852002Battletoads, Killer Instinct, Banjo-Kazooie, Conker, Perfect Dark, Viva Piñata, Sea of Thieves, Everwild
Turn 10 StudiosRedmond, Washington2001—Forza Motorsport
Undead LabsSeattle20092018State of Decay
World's EdgeRedmond, Washington2019—Age of Empires
Xbox Game Studios PublishingRedmond, Washington2000——

Former

Sold or spun off
Closed or consolidated

Games published

See main article: List of Xbox Game Studios video games.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Phil Spencer is Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Gaming . 15 October 2023 . Microsoft.
  2. News: Minson . John . November 9, 1992 . Microsoft moves into sports simulation with Golf . en . C5 . Calgary Herald . The Guardian . October 16, 2022.
  3. Web site: Microsoft MechWarriors . Chris . Morris . January 7, 1999 . February 6, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211816/https://money.cnn.com/1999/01/07/life/fasa/ . live .
  4. Web site: Microsoft Buys Access . JB . April 19, 1999 . . February 4, 2018 . February 4, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180204123933/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/20/microsoft-buys-access . live .
  5. Web site: The End Game: How Top Developers Sold Their Studios – Part One . Dan Lee . Rogers . March 3, 2004 . . February 4, 2018 . September 23, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170923193804/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130449/the_end_game_how_top_developers_.php . live .
  6. Web site: Microsoft Makes Big Cuts At Flight Sim Studio . Chris . Remo . January 23, 2009 . February 7, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211818/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/112931/Microsoft_Makes_Big_Cuts_At_Flight_Sim_Studio.php . live .
  7. Web site: Ensemble Studios: From Beginning to End, An Excerpt from Gamers at Work . Morgan . Ramsey . June 23, 2012 . February 6, 2019 . . March 21, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190321024105/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/168995/ensemble_studios_from_beginning_.php . live .
  8. Microsoft Inks Deal With Newly Formed Digital Anvil . February 19, 1997 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124328/https://news.microsoft.com/1997/02/19/microsoft-inks-deal-with-newly-formed-digital-anvil/ . live .
  9. Web site: E3 2018: Here's What Happened To Every Studio Microsoft Has Bought . Todd . Ciolek . June 11, 2018 . . February 7, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . 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 . live .
  10. Web site: Microsoft's checkered history of gaming acquisitions, from Bungie to Minecraft . Justin . McElroy . September 15, 2014 . . February 7, 2019 . February 11, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190211031002/https://www.polygon.com/2014/9/15/6153109/microsoft-minecraft-acquisitions . live .
  11. See You on the Beach . Mike . Bevan . . 120 . . 58–63 . October 2013.
  12. Xbox Brings "Future-Generation" Games to Life . March 10, 2000 . February 6, 2019 . . February 3, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190203030000/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/03/10/xbox-brings-future-generation-games-to-life/ . live .
  13. New Game: Head of Microsoft's Games Division Outlines Company's Strategy for PC and Console Games . May 10, 2000 . February 6, 2019 . . January 28, 2019 . 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/ . live .
  14. Microsoft Promotes Fries to Vice President of Games Publishing . May 10, 2000 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124503/https://news.microsoft.com/2000/05/10/microsoft-promotes-fries-to-vice-president-of-games-publishing/ . live .
  15. Web site: Q&A: Microsoft Game Studios' GM Shane Kim . Curt . Feldman . May 18, 2004 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124315/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-microsoft-game-studios-gm-shane-kim/1100-6098664/ . live .
  16. Web site: Microsoft Studios Is Now Xbox Game Studios . Colin . Stevens . February 5, 2019 . . February 7, 2019 . February 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190207063249/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/02/05/microsoft-studios-is-now-xbox-game-studios . live .
  17. Web site: Microsoft/Bungie Interview . June 19, 2000 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123841/https://www.ign.com/articles/2000/06/20/microsoftbungie-interview . live .
  18. Web site: Xbox: The Oral History of an American Video Game Empire . Dina . Bass . January 6, 2021 . January 6, 2021 . . January 6, 2021 . 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 . live .
  19. Web site: A trip to Turn 10, the Forza studio merging car culture with games . Jonathan M. . Gitlin . October 31, 2014 . . February 8, 2019 . October 31, 2014 . 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/ . live .
  20. Web site: Microsoft Buys Rare . Aaron . Boulding . September 24, 2002 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124141/https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/09/24/microsoft-buys-rare . live .
  21. Web site: Take-Two helps Microsoft get out of sports game . Curt . Feldman . December 16, 2004 . . February 4, 2018 . December 5, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20141205165037/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/take-two-helps-microsoft-get-out-of-sports-game/1100-6115224/ . live .
  22. Web site: Microsoft sells off sports game studio to Take Two . GamesIndustry International . December 17, 2004 . . February 4, 2018 . December 4, 2011 . https://web.archive.org/web/20111204200012/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/news171204taketwosports . live .
  23. Web site: Microsoft Announces Appointment of Peter Moore As Corporate Vice President of Retail Sales and Marketing . January 20, 2003 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . 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/ . live .
  24. Web site: A retrospective on Peter: always wanting Moore . Frank . Caron . July 18, 2007 . February 6, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124041/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2007/07/aretrospective-on-peter-always-wanting-moore/ . live .
  25. Web site: Q&A: Joshua Howard, Carbonated Games . July 23, 2007 . February 7, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211833/https://www.mcvuk.com/development/qa-joshua-howard-carbonated-games . live .
  26. Web site: Lionhead: The inside story . Wesley . Yin-Poole . May 12, 2016 . February 6, 2019 . . December 28, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171228152204/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2016-05-12-lionhead-the-inside-story . live .
  27. Web site: New Microsoft Game Studios Office For Europe . David . Jenkins . . May 4, 2007 . January 27, 2019 . January 27, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190127211244/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/104747/New_Microsoft_Game_Studios_Office_For_Europe.php . live .
  28. Web site: Confirmed: Peter Moore leaving Microsoft, replaced by Don Mattrick . Jim . Sterling . Jim Sterling . July 17, 2007 . . February 7, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211819/https://www.destructoid.com/confirmed-peter-moore-leaving-microsoft-replaced-by-don-mattrick-35558.phtml . live .
  29. News: Microsoft, "Halo" maker Bungie split . Benjamin . Romano . October 6, 2007 . . February 7, 2019 . January 30, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160130201828/https://www.seattletimes.com/business/microsoft-halo-maker-bungie-split/ . live .
  30. Web site: Reports: Halo: Reach Bungie's Last Halo Game, More . Christian . Nutt . July 24, 2009 . . February 7, 2019 . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124521/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/115522/Reports_Halo_Reach_Bungies_Last_Halo_Game_More.php . live .
  31. Studio Profile: 343 Industries . . . Edward . Smith . 300 . 2016 . 94–97.
  32. Web site: Keiser . Joe . . May 22, 2008 . May 22, 2008 . Exclusive Interview: MS to Delist XBLA Titles . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120124190447/http://www.next-gen.biz/features/exclusive-interview-ms-delist-xbla-titles . January 24, 2012.
  33. Web site: Microsoft to cut 5,000 jobs in company's first major layoff . Ashlee . Vance . Ashlee Vance . January 22, 2009 . February 7, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209125023/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/22/technology/22iht-msft.4.19608611.html . live .
  34. Web site: Microsoft to close Ensemble Studios . Matt . Martin . September 10, 2008 . February 7, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124457/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/microsoft-to-close-ensemble-studios . live .
  35. Web site: Microsoft to buy Vancouver-based game developer BigPark . May 8, 2009 . February 7, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320215132/https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/microsoft-to-buy-vancouver-based-game-developer-bigpark-1.832259 . live .
  36. Web site: Microsoft's Phil Spencer promoted, Shane Kim retiring . Tor . Thorsen . September 15, 2009 . February 7, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212418/https://www.cnet.com/news/microsofts-phil-spencer-promoted-shane-kim-retiring/ . live .
  37. Web site: Microsoft Game Studios adds in-house mobile team . Rob . Crossley . August 12, 2010 . February 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20100815212452/http://www.develop-online.net/news/35608/Microsoft-to-self-develop-mobile-games . August 15, 2010 . Develop.
  38. Web site: Rare to build new studio in Birmingham, England . Richard . Mitchell . March 2, 2010 . . February 7, 2019 . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124042/https://www.engadget.com/2010/03/02/rare-to-build-new-studio-in-birmingham-england/ . live .
  39. Web site: E3 2011: Halo 4 anchors Microsoft press conference . Tor . Thorsen . June 6, 2011 . . January 19, 2019 . January 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093449/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/e3-2011-halo-4-anchors-microsoft-press-conference/1100-6317146/ . live .
  40. Web site: Microsoft buys indie developer Twisted Pixel . Justin . McElroy . October 12, 2011 . February 7, 2019 . . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211818/https://www.engadget.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/ . live .
  41. Web site: Harrison takes over MGS Europe, but not Molyneux's job . Staff . March 13, 2012 . . February 7, 2019 . April 3, 2019 . 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/ . live .
  42. Web site: Microsoft acquires Magic Marker dev Press Play . Alice . O'Connor . June 6, 2012 . . February 7, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211820/https://www.shacknews.com/article/74232/microsoft-acquires-magic-marker-dev-press-play . live .
  43. Web site: Microsoft to open new Xbox studio in London . Michael . French . July 26, 2012 . . February 7, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211820/https://www.mcvuk.com/consoles/microsoft-to-open-new-xbox-studio-in-london . live .
  44. Web site: Report: Microsoft reduces staff at Vancouver studio, cans 'Project Columbia' for Kinect . Ludwig . Kietzmann . July 25, 2012 . . February 7, 2019 . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209123807/https://www.engadget.com/2012/07/25/report-microsoft-reduces-staff-at-vancouver-studio-cans-proje/ . live .
  45. Web site: Microsoft Vancouver renamed Black Tusk Studios, is working on new triple-A franchise . Ben . Parfitt . November 29, 2012 . . February 7, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://www.mcvuk.com/business/microsoft-vancouver-renamed-black-tusk-studios-is-working-on-new-triple-a-f . live .
  46. Microsoft's new Black Tusk Studios, headed by ex-EA devs, looking to make the next Halo . Hafer . T.J. . November 30, 2012 . . October 12, 2016 . November 5, 2015 . 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/ . live .
  47. Web site: Microsoft announces Lift London, a new developer focused on cloud games for tablets, mobiles and TVs' . . dead . 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 . June 27, 2014.
  48. Web site: Microsoft Recruits for Deep Tech team' . . May 15, 2013 . June 7, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130607135637/http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-builds-a-deep-tech-team-to-attract-next-gen-developers-7000015270/ . live .
  49. Web site: Xbox President Don Mattrick leaving Microsoft to become Zynga CEO . Kyle . Orland . July 1, 2013 . February 7, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124149/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2013/07/report-xbox-president-don-mattrick-will-leave-microsoft-for-zynga/ . live .
  50. Web site: Julie Larson-Green to take over Xbox hardware division following Mattrick's departure . Alexa Ray . Correia . July 11, 2013 . February 7, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124220/https://www.polygon.com/2013/7/11/4513944/julie-larson-green-to-take-over-xbox-hardware-division . live .
  51. Web site: Microsoft's Videogame Boss and the Long Battle to Reinvent the Company . Aaron . Tilley . February 3, 2022 . . 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 . February 3, 2022 .
  52. Web site: Microsoft's PC gaming chief leaves after just six months . . February 13, 2014 . February 8, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212059/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-02-13-microsofts-pc-gaming-chief-leaves-after-just-six-months . live .
  53. Web site: Phil Spencer named new boss of Xbox . . March 31, 2014 . May 31, 2014 . May 31, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140531144531/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-03-31-phil-spencer-named-new-boss-of-xbox . live .
  54. Web site: The history of Minecraft . Alex . Cox . June 13, 2018 . . February 7, 2019 . August 9, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180809090837/https://www.techradar.com/news/the-history-of-minecraft . live .
  55. Web site: Minecraft Billionaire Markus Persson Hates Being a Billionaire . Arik . Hesseldahl . August 29, 2015 . . February 7, 2019 . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180107/https://www.recode.net/2015/8/29/11618134/minecraft-billionaire-markus-persson-hates-being-a-billionaire . live .
  56. Web site: How Minecraft and Mojang taught Xbox how to buy studios . Christopher . Dring . July 9, 2020 . July 20, 2020 . . January 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210124152930/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-07-09-how-minecraft-and-mojang-taught-xbox-how-to-buy-studios . live .
  57. Web site: State of Decay sequels on Xbox One . . January 11, 2014 . April 28, 2014 . April 19, 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140419110320/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-01-11-state-of-decay-dev-signs-multi-year-agreement-with-microsoft . live .
  58. Web site: Microsoft Studios acquires rights to Gears of War franchise . Xbox Wire Staff . . January 27, 2014 . February 12, 2014 . October 15, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20151015205706/http://news.xbox.com/2014/01/games-microsoft-studios-gears-of-war . live .
  59. Web site: Microsoft bought the rights to "Rise of" IP . . May 30, 2014 . February 8, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320212112/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-05-30-rise-of-nations-extended-edition-due-next-month-on-steam . live .
  60. Web site: Introducing The Coalition . June 3, 2015 . . February 8, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2015/06/03/games-introducing-the-coalition/ . live .
  61. Web site: Xbox Entertainment Studios Reportedly Shuttered as Heads Leave . Jenna . Pitcher . October 29, 2014 . . February 8, 2019 . June 2, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200602000717/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/30/xbox-entertainment-studios-reportedly-shuttered-as-heads-leave . live .
  62. Web site: Hololens games on Xbox one . March 7, 2015 . . September 5, 2017 . October 3, 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171003025856/https://www.theverge.com/2015/3/4/8149331/microsoft-working-on-games-for-hololens . live .
  63. Web site: Kudo Tsunoda Expands Role at Microsoft . March 9, 2015 . . February 8, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320222106/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2015-03-09-kinect-and-hololens-developer-kudo-tsunoda-expands-role-at-microsoft . live .
  64. Web site: Splosion Man studio Twisted Pixel no longer part of Microsoft . Michael . McWhertor . September 30, 2015 . February 7, 2019 . . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209180057/https://www.polygon.com/2015/9/30/9430077/twisted-pixel-microsoft-independent-studio-xbox . live .
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  66. Web site: Stuart . Keith . March 1, 2016 . Microsoft to unify PC and Xbox One platforms, ending fixed console hardware . April 24, 2022 . . en . April 25, 2022 . 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 . live .
  67. Web site: Changes at Microsoft Studios, UK and Denmark . March 7, 2016 . March 7, 2016 . March 7, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160307214635/http://news.xbox.com/2016/03/07/microsoft-studios-changes-uk-denmark/ . live .
  68. Web site: Lionhead Studios shuts its doors today . . April 29, 2016 . March 29, 2018 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211815/https://www.polygon.com/2016/4/29/11537392/lionhead-studios-closed . live .
  69. Web site: Microsoft Studios site removes 5 more studios . David . Scammell . March 8, 2016 . VideoGamer . February 8, 2019 . February 9, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190209124210/https://www.videogamer.com/news/microsoft-studios-site-removes-5-more-studios . live .
  70. Web site: Lionhead might not be the only studio Microsoft canned: all the Kinect teams look dead . Leon . Hurley . March 8, 2016 . . February 8, 2019 . January 24, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210124152843/https://www.gamesradar.com/more-microsoft-studios-look-theyre-might-be-canned-2/ . live .
  71. Web site: Microsoft Xbox boss Phil Spencer just got a big promotion, and will now report directly to CEO Satya Nadella . businessinsider.com . June 24, 2018 . June 24, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150649/http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-xbox-phil-spencer-gets-promoted-to-executive-vice-president-2017-9 . live .
  72. Web site: Microsoft promoted its 'Minecraft' boss to be the new executive in charge of all Xbox game efforts . businessinsider.com . June 24, 2018 . June 24, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150935/http://www.businessinsider.com/minecraft-matt-booty-microsoft-studios-new-xbox-boss-2018-1 . live .
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  74. News: Former Crystal Dynamics Head Opens Microsoft Game Studio the Initiative . Crecente . Brian . June 10, 2018 . Variety . June 10, 2018 . en-US . June 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140505/https://variety.com/2018/gaming/news/the-initiative-microsoft-games-1202837444/ . live .
  75. Web site: Obsidian, inXile acquired by Microsoft Studios . November 10, 2018 . November 10, 2018 . . November 11, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20181111040903/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/330417/Obsidian_inXile_acquired_by_Microsoft_Studios.php . live .
  76. Web site: Microsoft Studios is now Xbox Game Studios . Allegra . Frank . February 5, 2019 . February 5, 2019 . . February 6, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190206034946/https://www.polygon.com/2019/2/5/18212551/microsoft-studios-xbox-game-studios-name . live .
  77. Xbox Game Studios rebranding signals big changes for Microsoft's focus on gaming . Andy . Chalk . February 5, 2019 . February 5, 2019 . . February 7, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015410/https://www.pcgamer.com/xbox-game-studios-rebranding-signals-big-changes-for-microsofts-focus-on-gaming/ . live .
  78. Web site: Psychonauts developer Doublefine is now an Xbox Game Studio . Ali . Jones . June 9, 2019 . June 9, 2019 . . June 24, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190624095117/https://www.pcgamesn.com/psychonauts-2/double-fine-microsoft . live .
  79. Web site: Microsoft has quietly established a new Age of Empires studio . Chris . Kerr . June 10, 2019 . June 10, 2019 . . June 10, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190610144959/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/344426/Microsoft_has_quietly_established_a_new_Age_of_Empires_studio.php . live .
  80. Web site: Age of Empires IV had its gameplay debut at X019 . Jordan . Devore . November 14, 2019 . November 14, 2019 . . January 5, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210105212218/https://www.destructoid.com/age-of-empires-iv-had-its-gameplay-debut-at-x019-572514.phtml . live .
  81. Web site: Gamescom 2019 - Microsoft's new Age of Empires arm isn't a developer, firm overseeing other studios working on IP . Alex . Calvin . August 20, 2019 . August 20, 2019 . . August 20, 2019 . 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/ . live .
  82. Web site: Multi-platform games from Xbox-owned studios must 'make sense for the franchise' . Alissa . McAloon . August 13, 2019 . August 13, 2019 . . August 13, 2019 . 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 . live .
  83. Web site: Microsoft has "no plans" to release more Xbox exclusives on PS4 or Nintendo Switch . Christopher . Dring . August 20, 2019 . August 27, 2019 . . August 27, 2019 . 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 . live .
  84. Web site: Xbox is 'shifting focus' away from studio acquisitions . Andy . Robinson . November 14, 2019 . November 15, 2019 . . November 14, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20191114234040/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/xbox-is-shifting-focus-away-from-studio-acquisitions/ . live .
  85. "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 . Seth . Barton . January 10, 2020 . January 10, 2020 . . January 11, 2020 . 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/ . live .
  86. Web site: Xbox Series X will have Microsoft's 'most diverse collection of first-party games' . Michael . McWhertor . July 20, 2020 . July 20, 2020 . . July 20, 2020 . 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 . live .
  87. Web site: Phil Spencer Says Xbox Needs to Focus More on RPGs; "Is An Area That We Should Focus" . Aernout . van de Velde . November 18, 2020 . December 3, 2020 . wccftech . December 9, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201209192901/https://wccftech.com/phil-spencer-focus-rpg/ . live .
  88. Web site: Microsoft to Buy Bethesda for $7.5 Billion to Boost Xbox . Dina . Bass . Jason . Schreier . September 21, 2020 . September 21, 2020 . . September 24, 2020 . 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 . live .
  89. Web site: Welcoming the Talented Teams and Beloved Game Franchises of Bethesda to Xbox. Xbox.com. September 21, 2020. October 4, 2020. October 4, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201004023805/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2020/09/21/welcoming-bethesda-to-the-xbox-family/. live.
  90. Web site: How Xbox outgrew the console: inside Phil Spencer's multi-billion dollar gamble . Same . White . November 15, 2021 . November 15, 2021 . . November 15, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211115130242/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/xbox-phil-spencer-todd-howard-interview . live .
  91. Web site: Starfield Could Have Been A PlayStation Exclusive, Prompting Microsoft's ZeniMax Acquisition . Luis Joshua . Gutierrez . June 23, 2023 . June 23, 2023 . .
  92. Web site: Microsoft's $7.5bn acquisition of ZeniMax approved in the US and EU . Wesley . Yin-Poole . March 8, 2021 . March 8, 2021 . . March 8, 2021 . 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 . live .
  93. Web site: Microsoft confirms its Bethesda acquisition is complete and 'some games' will be exclusive . Andy . Robinson . March 9, 2021 . March 9, 2021 . . March 9, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210309164348/https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/microsoft-confirms-its-bethesda-acquisition-is-complete-and-some-games-will-be-exclusive/ . live .
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  95. Web site: Microsoft completes Bethesda acquisition, promises some Xbox and PC exclusives . Tom . Warren . March 9, 2021 . March 11, 2021 . . March 10, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210310020711/https://www.theverge.com/2021/3/9/22319124/microsoft-bethesda-acquisition-complete-finalized . live .
  96. Web site: Microsoft confirms "some" new Bethesda titles will be exclusive to Xbox, PC . Kyle . Orland . March 9, 2021 . March 9, 2021 . . March 9, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210309155004/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/03/microsoft-confirms-some-new-bethesda-titles-will-be-exclusive-to-xbox-pc/ . live .
  97. Web site: Xbox boss says Microsoft's Bethesda deal was all about exclusive games for Game Pass . Tom . Warren . March 11, 2021 . March 11, 2021 . . March 11, 2021 . 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 . live .
  98. Web site: Ongoing Fallout 4 DLC lawsuit could impact Microsoft's takeover of Bethesda . Chris . Kerr . February 25, 2021 . February 25, 2021 . . February 25, 2021 . 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 . live .
  99. Web site: Eddie. Makuch. ZeniMax Board Of Directors Dissolved After Xbox's Bethesda Purchase. GameSpot. March 17, 2021. March 17, 2021. March 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210321203649/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/zenimax-board-of-directors-dissolved-after-xboxs-bethesda-purchase/1100-6488918/. live.
  100. Web site: Kovach. Steve. January 18, 2022. Microsoft to buy Activision in $68.7 billion all-cash deal. January 18, 2022. CNBC. en. January 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220118154835/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/01/18/microsoft-to-buy-activision.html. live.
  101. Web site: Warren. Tom. January 18, 2022. Microsoft to acquire Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. January 18, 2022. The Verge. en. January 18, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220118133548/https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/18/22889258/microsoft-activision-blizzard-xbox-acquisition-call-of-duty-overwatch. live.
  102. Web site: Welcoming the Incredible Teams and Legendary Franchises of Activision Blizzard to Microsoft Gaming . Xbox . Phil Spencer, CEO, Microsoft Gaming . January 19, 2022 . January 18, 2022 . January 19, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220119130657/https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/01/18/welcoming-activision-blizzard-to-microsoft-gaming/ . live .
  103. Web site: Microsoft has officially completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard . Tom . Ivan . October 13, 2023 . October 13, 2023 . .
  104. Web site: Microsoft considered acquiring Bungie and Sega to bolster Xbox Game Pass, internal emails show . Tom . Warren . June 26, 2023 . June 26, 2023 . .
  105. Web site: Court docs reveal Microsoft considered buying Final Fantasy publisher Square Enix . June 28, 2023 .
  106. Web site: 2023-01-18 . Microsoft Slashes 10K Jobs, Including At Xbox And Halo Studios . 2024-03-02 . Kotaku . en.
  107. News: 2023-01-18 . Microsoft set to cull 10,000 jobs . 2024-03-02 . Eurogamer.net . en.
  108. Web site: Warren . Tom . 2023-10-26 . Microsoft reorgs its Xbox and marketing teams to prepare for an AI and gaming future . 2023-10-26 . The Verge . en.
  109. Web site: 2023-11-10 . Turn 10's Alan Hartman is the new head of Xbox Game Studios . 2023-11-15 . Engadget . en-US.
  110. Web site: Boyes . Emma . Bungie and Microsoft officially split . . . October 5, 2007 . June 24, 2023.
  111. Web site: Microsoft's Lift London is not defunct; social media closed as focus is shifted away from games . Lewis . White . January 3, 2019 . MSPoweruser . February 8, 2019 . March 30, 2019 . 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/ . live .
  112. Web site: Microsoft, Peter Jackson to form game studio. CNET. Daniel. Terdiman. September 28, 2006. March 5, 2022. March 5, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220305200933/https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/microsoft-peter-jackson-to-form-game-studio/. live.
  113. Web site: Jackson's Wingnut studio still working on original properties. GamesIndustry. Kath. Brice. July 28, 2009. March 5, 2022. March 5, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220305202436/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/jacksons-wingnut-studio-still-working-on-original-properties. live.
  114. Web site: Digital Anvil melted down . December 1, 2005 . Thorsen . Tor . . February 5, 2020 . February 5, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200205165433/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/digital-anvil-melted-down/1100-6140687/ . live .
  115. Web site: Halo 2 PC going offline next month . Eddie . Makuch . January 17, 2013 . . January 27, 2019 . March 20, 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190320211817/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-2-pc-going-offline-next-month/1100-6402546/ . live .

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Xbox Game Studios".

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