GamesIndustry.biz: Why Xbox bought Ninja Theory | MS Still Interested in More 50-100 Person Studios

Dancrane212 · Aug 23, 2018

GamesIndustry.biz interview with Matt Booty, head of Microsoft Studios.

"We started looking at studios that are built around creative leads and people. An amazing thing about Ninja Theory is that it is very clear that the studio orbits around ideas and creativity, and the characters, storytelling and settings really come first for them. That just meshes really well with our desire to provide our players, especially those in Game Pass, with content that is new, unique, has variety and sits outside of the stuff we are doing with our bigger franchises."

Microsoft will hope the same will be true of Game Pass; people come in for Sea of Thieves, but stick around for Hellblade. So with that in mind, is Microsoft keeping its cheque book out to buy more mid-tier studios? Or is the shopping done?

"I don't want to seem like we're going out to fill a quota," he says. "It's not about filling a spreadsheet by any means. We will, however, have an interest in studios right now that fit this criteria of 50 to 100 people, who are making games on a two to three year cadence, and have content that we think will be of interest to our Game Pass subscribers. That means content that is a little different to what our big AAA franchises can deliver.

Booty insists that there's no desire from Xbox to make any fundamental changes to these studios. The plan is to help them if they need it, eliminate the financial concern, but otherwise leave them to do what they've always done.

"Our plan for the studio in terms of integration is very much the same with what we did with Mojang and Minecraft. Which is a very, very minimal level of integration. We are not trying to come in and change the culture. We're not trying to overdo the Microsoft presence. But what we do is make the studio feel supported, empowered and capable of focusing entirely on the content, without needing to worry about the other day-to-day realities.

These new studios are not expected to become franchise studios, either. Compulsion Games was not picked up for We Happy Few, and Ninja Theory was not bought for Hellblade. Rather, it's what those games represent that most excites Microsoft.

News about studio culture is especially nice to see. Reading how the integration of FASA into Microsoft destroyed that studio, and how efforts from Jordan Wiseman to prevent that from happening again allowed Bungie to maintain its identity under MS shows how important that can be.

Plenty more in the article.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2018-08-23-why-xbox-bought-ninja-theory

QuiteSomething · Aug 23, 2018

MS is finally going into the right direction.
Hope it will work for them

Deleted member 13645 · Aug 23, 2018

"I have this framing of people, teams and ideas. What we don't want is a situation where we've got this spreadsheet of certain type of games where we need a platformer, a kids mascot game, three shooters, two racing games... I don't want to get into that. I think that good content comes when you supply support to creative people who have got fantastic teams, and then can go off and execute on ideas. It goes very deliberately in that order. We are really not interested in steering any of the studios we've acquired into a certain portfolio objective."

and

...I was thinking about how the cliche would be to show up and say something like: 'Welcome to the family'. But I don't know if that sends the right message. It's not our intention to pull these studios in and start putting Xbox posters up everywhere. It's more about giving them the support so that they can focus entirely on making game, and to relieve some of the tension that I think exists for a studio of that size."

Is quite nice to hear, as there have been discussions with people wondering if Microsoft is going to focus too much on GaaS. This seems to line up with what they've said of being more hands-off and allowing developers like Ninja Theory to just keep being themselves.

Toumari · Aug 23, 2018

We will, however, have an interest in studios right now that fit this criteria of 50 to 100 people

So given if there is no flexibility to that rule it would count out the Obsidian rumour given they are around 170-200 strong.

Tappin Brews · Aug 23, 2018

Saying the right things and, apparently, backing them up too. Feeling good about the future of Xbox (finally)

Ge0force · Aug 23, 2018

I still prefer my favorite mid-tier studios to stay independent (and multiplatform) instead of being bought by any big company.

Shmunter · Aug 23, 2018

Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

Dr. Caroll · Aug 23, 2018

"I have this framing of people, teams and ideas. What we don't want is a situation where we've got this spreadsheet of certain type of games where we need a platformer, a kids mascot game, three shooters, two racing games... I don't want to get into that. I think that good content comes when you supply support to creative people who have got fantastic teams, and then can go off and execute on ideas. It goes very deliberately in that order. We are really not interested in steering any of the studios we've acquired into a certain portfolio objective."

Microsoft have certainly changed since the bad old days. Cough, Perfect Dark: Core, cough.

Shmunter said:
Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

Did you not read the article? The entire reason they want these game studios is to make interesting content for Game Pass.

QuiteSomething · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

I think that we need to wait for the games to actuality come out lol

IIFloodyII · Aug 23, 2018

So hopefully all the nonsense MS are buying EA or some other massive corporation will die now.
I think it's a good move buy them when they are relatively small and help build them up over time.

Yerffej · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

What? Not at all.

iksenpets · Aug 23, 2018

It was probably the best studio available for them to buy, if they want to take a direct stab at competomg with the sort of narrative single-player games Somy has found so much success with this gen.

A New Beginning · Aug 23, 2018

Frictional games deserve a bigger budget.

BubblegumNemesis · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

Errr.. completely the opposite.

Adamska · Aug 23, 2018

All I can tell from this is that the next Ninja Theory game will probably be amazing, and I'm glad to see those guys being provided with all the resources they need to "hit the big leagues", so to say, and make experiences that carry their touch of creativity and can have the scope and ambition of a Naughty Dog title.

Also, I wonder if they've sent a letter of intent to Hello Games? Though I think that team is even smaller than 50 people.

R dott B · Aug 23, 2018

Interesting approach

I hope they buy a bunch of previously multiplatform studios and devs that made exclusives for other platforms so I can get a good laugh.

LordBaztion · Aug 23, 2018

If they release an interesting game every three months, that would be a powerful incentive to get a permanent subscription.

hydrophilic attack · Aug 23, 2018

buying more small studios is what they need to do. i could see it working well for them

IIFloodyII said:
So hopefully all the nonsense MS are buying EA or some other massive corporation will die now.

yeah that was always incredibly moronic lol

one of my two bans was for making fun of how stupid that idea was here

i thought i was being hilarious. sadly, the mod who banned me disagreed, lol

Bunkles · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
Microsoft finally gets it. Does this mean they renounce the gaas future? How will this bode for gamepass?

Their GaaS future will be Game Pass. The games they offer will range from single player to GaaS games we see now. The goal for GP will be to offer a constant variety to all sorts of gamers so we'll be seeing a LOT more single player content from MS for sure.

starblue · Aug 23, 2018

Imho I prefer to make new studios than buying multiplatform studios...tbh

Chocobo115 · Aug 23, 2018

Just stop ruining it for others by buying previously third party developers, and start cultivating your own studios.

At least that's how you earn my respect as a Major gaming player.

Deleted member 29682 · Aug 23, 2018

Chocobo115 said:
Just stop ruining it for others by buying previously third party developers, and start cultivating your own studios.

At least that's how you earn my respect as a Major gaming player.

I believe that's what The Initiative is for. They're taking a mixed approach.

Terror-Billy · Aug 23, 2018

starblue said:
Imho I prefer to make new studios than buying multiplatform studios...tbh

What's a multiplatform studio anyway. If you are part of Bethesda or EA, then yeah, you are forever destinied to be multiplatform. Independent studios are anyone's game. Are we already forgetting that Ninja Theory made Xbox and PlayStation exclusives years before?

Chocobo115 said:
Just stop ruining it for others by buying previously third party developers, and start cultivating your own studios.

At least that's how you earn my respect as a Major gaming player.

I'm sure Matt Booty is fucking sweating now that he knows they don't have your respect. Also, everyone does the same. Naughty Dog wasn't started from scrath at Sony, in case you didn't know.

Dyashen · Aug 23, 2018

Happy and glad they acknowledged the situation and they definitely did the right investments imo.

These new studios are not expected to become franchise studios, either. Compulsion Games was not picked up for We Happy Few, and Ninja Theory was not bought for Hellblade. Rather, it's what those games represent that most excites Microsoft.

Nice to hear.

predrag · Aug 23, 2018

Good read and more important is MS attitude toward studios.

mikehaggar · Aug 23, 2018

It's always strange to me when anyone talks about studios and their output and storytelling is the highlighted characteristic. What about gameplay? These are GAMES after all... Anyway, on topic, Microsoft is really working hard to turn things around. Clearly, they lost the plot for a while there, but now seem committed to getting back on track. I wouldn't be surprised to see them return to 360-levels of success when the next generation of consoles roll out.

hydrophilic attack · Aug 23, 2018

starblue said:
Imho I prefer to make new studios than buying multiplatform studios...tbh

i mean, most studios acquired by sony as well were not started internally at sony, but originally independent

i mean, it does suck that i'll never get to play whatever the creators of hellblade make next, as i don't see myself ever buying xbox hardware, but i will live, and this will be good for that studio's survival, so i'm still happy for them

jett · Aug 23, 2018

Seems Microsoft is moving in the right direction.

JayWood2010 · Aug 23, 2018

Game Pass is going to be huge in a few years. They are really going all in on it.

Glad to see they are giving their new studios complete freedom. Really is up to them on what they do, as Microsoft will just be there to help them financially.

RevenantAxe · Aug 23, 2018

Ge0force said:
I still prefer my favorite mid-tier studios to stay independent (and multiplatform) instead of being bought by any big company.

Have u not seen NT video? They were struggling financially to make multiplatform game. MS support will allow them to work freely without worrying about financial problems. Only downside you can say that their games exclusive to Xbox and PC only.

I rather see studio get bought and continue to work than get shut down while staying independent.

Shmunter · Aug 23, 2018

Interfectum said:
Their GaaS future will be Game Pass. The games they offer will range from single player to GaaS games we see now. The goal for GP will be to offer a constant variety to all sorts of gamers so we'll be seeing a LOT more single player content from MS for sure.

So the repeating revenue model will be the sub itself with less focus on game economy? It makes sense, there are only so many games people will invest in costumes and funny dances.

Bear and bird · Aug 23, 2018

mikehaggar said:
It's always strange to me when anyone talks about studios and their output and storytelling is the highlighted characteristic. What about gameplay? These are GAMES after all... Anyway, on topic, Microsoft is really working hard to turn things around. Clearly, they lost the plot for a while there, but now seem committed to getting back on track. I wouldn't be surprised to see them return to 360-levels of success when the next generation of consoles roll out.

Most of Microsofts 1st party studios before the new studio announcements were gameplay and multiplayer driven. It makes sense for them to highlight the storytelling qualities of NT and CG.

Starlatine · Aug 23, 2018

Chocobo115 said:
Just stop ruining it for others by buying previously third party developers, and start cultivating your own studios.

At least that's how you earn my respect as a Major gaming player.

So people can complain about the Initiative "stealing" talent from other studios instead of hiring unknown college students, am i right?

Kaguya · Aug 23, 2018

MS always goes big at the start of new generations, lets see how long this push last this time.

Lothars · Aug 23, 2018

JayWood2010 said:
Game Pass is going to be huge in a few years. They are really going all in on it.

Glad to see they are giving their new studios complete freedom. Really is up to them on what they do, as Microsoft will just be there to help them financially.

I think gamepass could be huge but it could also fall right on it's face. To me I don't see the value in gamepass right now but that could change if they do it right.

The thing about studios and keeping the culture intact is probably the first reassuring thing I have seen from MS in years. I have very little faith in them as a company especially when they have bought studios in the past and than nothing really came out from them and they were closed down.

Let's hope it rings true that is what they are doing and they do actually step up their first party.

Kaguya said:
MS always goes big at the start of new generations, lets see how long this push last this time.

That's also true.

Bunkles · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
So the repeating revenue model will be the sub itself with less focus on game economy? It makes sense, there are only so many games people will invest in costumes and funny dances.

Also the game pass model should allow for far more experimentation too since there's less need for any single game to stand on its own financially and is only there to serve the game pass subscriber. Like Netflix.

SuikerBrood · Aug 23, 2018

This is a really good interview.

Greigor the FellHand · Aug 23, 2018

*whispers*
"buy obsidian"

NippleViking · Aug 23, 2018

Good. I think MS really need to be taking more creative risks in effort to diversif their portfolio and emend the perception of a Forza/Halo/Gears box. If a AA-budget is the best way of making this tenable, then I fully support it.

Kaguya said:
MS always goes big at the start of new generations, lets see how long this push last this time.

Big with hot air and bluster, which has typically amounted to a few new IP which ultimately go no where. But we've never seen them building and buying studios like this, which suggests that they're looking far further ahead than usual.

gremlinz1982 · Aug 23, 2018

Ge0force said:
I still prefer my favorite mid-tier studios to stay independent (and multiplatform) instead of being bought by any big company.

Obsidian wants to be bought out. Ninja Theory wanted the financial security if it came with creative independence.

Having a big company guarantee the financial security is huge for any company that has struggled in a gaming environment that is only growing more and more competitive.

Ge0force · Aug 23, 2018

RevenantAxe said:
MS support will allow them to work freely without worrying about financial problems.

Yeah let's wait and see how that goes. ;)

Shmunter · Aug 23, 2018

Kaguya said:
MS always goes big at the start of new generations, lets see how long this push last this time.

Especially with the Duke and the VCR Xbox One. Big is too small a word.

VeePs · Aug 23, 2018

Greigor the FellHand said:
*whispers*
"buy obsidian"

Microsoft already almost killed Obsidian once this gen. Unless Obsidian is in trouble I hope they stay away.

Omnistalgic · Aug 23, 2018

Kaguya said:
MS always goes big at the start of new generations, lets see how long this push last this time.

Yup...I'm still skeptical. Promises and PR is kind of MS GOTY candidate this gen.

But you can miss me with all the services stuff. Bring the games and make sure they are amazing.

Shmunter · Aug 23, 2018

Interfectum said:
Also the game pass model should allow for far more experimentation too since there's less need for any single game to stand on its own financially and is only there to serve the game pass subscriber. Like Netflix.

Let's hope it doesn't turn to 80% shovelware the same as Netflix tho.

christocolus · Aug 23, 2018

Amazing interview. I'm glad MS is looking to acquire even more devs and I love the approach they going with..allowing the devs do what they want is best and allows them be creative. If game pass is going to be huge they will need a steady supply of top quality/unique content and this means they going to be acquiring a lot more devs/talent to ramp up production and output. :)

Bunkles · Aug 23, 2018

Shmunter said:
Let's hope it doesn't turn to 80% shovelware the same as Netflix tho.

It will to a certain extent. One man's shovelware is another man's treasure though.

Starlatine · Aug 23, 2018

VeePs said:
Microsoft already almost killed Obsidian once this gen. Unless Obsidian is in trouble I hope they stay away.

Not this again
And Obsidian was always in trouble since its conception. Good management is not a strong point for them.

Trago · Aug 23, 2018

Kinda fits their plan for Game Pass.

Decent amount of AA content to fill the catalog of new titles. I hope they work with Platinum again.

JayWood2010 · Aug 23, 2018

VeePs said:
Microsoft already almost killed Obsidian once this gen. Unless Obsidian is in trouble I hope they stay away.

That was an upper management problem within obsidian, not Microsoft.

Anwyays, rumor has it letter of intent was signed by Obsidian before E3 according to klobrille, though Microsoft hadnt signed it yet by that point. He admittedly isnt 100% sure on this.

GamesIndustry.biz: Why Xbox bought Ninja Theory | MS Still Interested in More 50-100 Person Studios

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