The Pioneers: Rare Ltd. and Lionhead Studios
Our journey begins with Rare Ltd., an iconic British developer responsible for creating beloved franchises like Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong Country, and Sea of Thieves. Acquired by Microsoft in 1995, Rare has been a cornerstone of the Xbox ecosystem ever since.
Similarly, Lionhead Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Fable series, joined the Microsoft family in 2006. Although Lionhead was closed in 2016, its legacy lives on through the Fable franchise, which continues to captivate gamers worldwide.
The Acquisition Spree: Mojang and Playground Games
Microsoft’s appetite for gaming talent didn’t stop with Rare and Lionhead. In 2014, it acquired Mojang, the Swedish studio behind Minecraft, one of the best-selling video games of all time. This acquisition catapulted Microsoft into the realm of independent game development, solidifying its position as a gaming powerhouse.
More recently, in 2018, Playground Games, creators of the Forza Horizon series, became part of Team Xbox. With each acquisition, Microsoft’s gaming portfolio grows more diverse and robust, offering gamers an unparalleled selection of experiences.
The Future: Bethesda Softworks and Beyond
In September 2020, Microsoft announced its intent to acquire Bethesda Softworks, a move that would add legendary franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout to the Xbox family. This acquisition, if completed, will further solidify Microsoft’s position as a dominant force in the gaming industry.
A New Era of Gaming: What Does It Mean for Developers?
For game developers, Microsoft’s aggressive expansion strategy presents both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, being part of such a powerful ecosystem offers unparalleled resources and support. On the other, it requires adapting to Microsoft’s culture and working within its framework.
FAQs
1. Which game developers does Microsoft own?
Microsoft owns Rare Ltd., Lionhead Studios, Mojang, and Playground Games, among others. It has also announced its intent to acquire Bethesda Softworks.
2. What games have been developed by these studios?
These studios have created games like Banjo-Kazooie, Fable, Minecraft, Forza Horizon, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout, among others.
3. Why is Microsoft acquiring game developers?
Microsoft is acquiring game developers to expand its gaming portfolio, offer more diverse experiences to gamers, and solidify its position as a dominant force in the gaming industry.