Microsoft acquires Playground games, Undead Labs, Compulsion games, Ninja Theory for first party

ScribeofGeadhain said:

Excited for MS, but also disappointed that Ninja Theory was scooped up. I was hoping that after the success of their indie venture they'd found success. Now I worry what having a corporate overlord will do.

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I think they'll do alright. From what I understand MS are just paying the bills and offering dev support, NT decide on what to make. Currently I don't have an Xbox but fair play to them if it means that they can focus more of their resources on getting titles out there rather than being guns for hire for other developers.

RevenantAxe said:

Remedy I pass. I won't waste money on them. NT better story tellers.

I want from software

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From Software is already owned by Kadokawa Corporation

Alpende said:

I always thought Playground already was a MS studio

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They've been MS exclusive since they formed.

Good for Ninja Theory. Love their games, always have and I honestly don't think they were going to survive much longer. This is a great outcome for them, better funding and access to mocap studios that will let their creativity shine.

Anthony Hopkins said:

Sony has 13 1st parties, ms has 12.
So I dont think sony are in any rush to add more studios to its first party portfolio.

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I think Sony is in a really good position right now, I don't see a reason for them to acquire more studios. They already have a decent head start. they should make the best of it.

gcwy said:

I think Sony is in a really good position right now, I don't see a reason for them to acquire more studios. They already have a decent head start. they should make the best of it.

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Well they are staring a new secret studio to continue uncharted series apearently and they r hiring some of the same people that worked on uncharted 4 at peak time .so a mini naughty dog isn't a bad thing .

RevenantAxe said:

WTF is this is official ign video? whats with that music? They don't like these studios joining MS?

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That thumbnail is pretty telling as well...

But does this mean We Happy few won't release on other platforms?

PLASTICA-MAN said:

But dioes this mean We Happy few won't release on other platforms?

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No. It Will come to ps4

SuikerBrood said:

No. It Will come to ps4

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Ok. Thanks. Because it still exists for pre-order on PS Store so I was wondering what will happen to those who pre-ordered it.

I can't say I'd be happy about Ninja Theory being bought, as their games were mostly multiplatforms. Now their future releases are being locked away from those who are outside of MS ecosystem. It would be different, if they acquired a studio like Remedy, who was already making games for Microsoft's platforms. It would be a similar situation, if Sony acquired From Software, and I can imagine the outcry in that scenario.

Melchiah said:

I can't say I'd be happy about Ninja Theory being bought, as their games were mostly multiplatforms. Now their future releases are being locked away from those who are outside of MS ecosystem. It would be different, if they acquired a studio like Remedy, who was already making games for Microsoft's platforms. It would be a similar situation, if Sony acquired From Software, and I can imagine the outcry in that scenario.

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Yeah but Remedy didn't recently release a well-received hack n slash story-driven game set in Norse mythology.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/artic...anation-on-decision-to-join-microsoft-studios

It is sad that Ninja Theory will only be available on Xbox, but I am happy they have the security they need to continue. I just hope they are given the creative freedom they need.

Can someone buy some IPs from Konami please and hire some old Konami staff.

Preferably Suikoden, Silent Hill and Castlevania

That will be weird, seeing a 'Microsoft Studios' screen when booting up We Happy Few on PS4.

I am happy for Ninja Theory. They'll have the financial security they would lack as an independent studio but I am saddened that this is most likely where we will part ways.

Nozem said:

That will be weird, seeing a 'Microsoft Studios' screen when booting up We Happy Few on PS4.

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Gearbox are handling publishing. I'm assuming MS will probably not touch We Happy Few as far as branding goes. They're sure to heavily promote it (if it doesn't suck), but I'm not expecting anything to change.

Nozem said:

That will be weird, seeing a 'Microsoft Studios' screen when booting up We Happy Few on PS4.

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Is it confirmed that it will still come out on ps4?

Is it coming to game pass?

Loadout said:

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/artic...anation-on-decision-to-join-microsoft-studios

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The video seems quite genuine. If MS stands by their word and gives these people 100% creative freedom, we are in for some great games otherwise not possible...

Guerrilla said:

The video seems quite genuine. If MS stands by their word and gives these people 100% creative freedom, we are in for some great games otherwise not possible...

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I've only played DmC and Hellblade but they are both excellent games so it will be great to see what they can do with Microsoft fully backing them.

Fisty said:

Yeah but Remedy didn't recently release a well-received hack n slash story-driven game set in Norse mythology.

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It does feel like a counter to God of War, like the timed exclusivity deal with Tomb Raider was a counter to Uncharted 4. In both cases, they just removed upcoming games from others' reach. It makes me wonder, if the studio will actually have free hands to create any kind of game they want, or will they be coaxed into a certain direction.

Soap said:

It is sad that Ninja Theory will only be available on Xbox, but I am happy they have the security they need to continue. I just hope they are given the creative freedom they need.

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Not just Xbox. All of MS games are available in PC too, and it seems strange that many people are missing that by thinking MS studios are just making games for Xbox only. There are no true Xbox system exclusives anymore, and its just there are Xbox Store exclusives.

Ninja theory should be used as the writers and motion capture crew of all MS first party games. I hope MS makes these studios share tech and communicate regularly. Help each other out at crunch and stuff, than MS will really have a comeback.

Soap said:

It is sad that Ninja Theory will only be available on Xbox, but I am happy they have the security they need to continue. I just hope they are given the creative freedom they need.

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Gray said:

I am happy for Ninja Theory. They'll have the financial security they would lack as an independent studio but I am saddened that this is most likely where we will part ways.

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Genuinely not console warring here but this is the very reason MS are making these acquisitions; to get people to buy in. Sure, only one game isn't enough for most people but holistically, there will be plenty of reasons to pick up a (reasonably priced) Xbox.

In summary: If you want to play these games on console, buy an Xbox. It doesn't have to be 'the end'. And hey, contrary to the usual rhetoric, there are actually a few very good reasons to already own one. Everyone has the choice not to buy in but if an unreasonable hatred for Xbox is the reason then it's tough luck.

GundamStyle said:

Ninja theory should be used as the writers and motion capture crew of all MS first party games. I hope MS makes these studios share tech and communicate regularly. Help each other out at crunch and stuff, than MS will really have a comeback.

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Yeah hopefully. The video on their audio tech for Hellblade was awesome, I hope that is used more widely.

SpotAnime said:

Sony has 15, but two are mobile studios.

Comparatively, Microsoft has 12 now but two are also mobile.

Not to poo poo on Microsoft's first party studios, but they still have a long way to go. Sony's studio recognition is leaps and bounds beyond right now with Santa Monica, San Diego, Sucker Punch, Naughty Dog, Guerilla, Bend and Japan. And that's leaving Polyphony out as I feel Turn 10 has the edge currently.

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This addresses the post I was replying to, even better.

THEVOID said:

Is it coming to game pass?

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Every MS first party game will come to Game pass mostly if you look at what MS doing and promising.

Nozem said:

That will be weird, seeing a 'Microsoft Studios' screen when booting up We Happy Few on PS4.

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Maybe Sony will blur it out.

As much as I'm happy for MS and Ninja Theory with this news I'm kinda bummed that my dream of a sequel to Heavenly Sword is pretty much dead now (well at least a NT developed sequel).

Sony was so dumb not buying them but congrats and best of luck to them.

Could be a good get and end up being Microsoft's Naughty Dog.

I'm excited to see what happens if MS can put money in and let the creators create as they said 500 times last night.

Loadout said:

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/artic...anation-on-decision-to-join-microsoft-studios

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Really glad for Ninja Theory, I think working as a first party studio is the ideal form for them, unfortunately the kind of games they like to create don't usually get the attention of big publishers. I think they can work as an equivalent of Naughty Dog or SSM for Microsoft, creating an unique and successful single player IP for Xbox.

PLASTICA-MAN said:

But dioes this mean We Happy few won't release on other platforms?

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We Happy Few is published by Gearbox. The exclusivity will start with their next game.

This is the type of move I was desperate for Microsoft to make for years until I had more than my fill of disappointment and jumped over to PS4.

Solid acquisitions across the board and I don't think they're through. Depending on how CD3 sells, I can some of those studios involved getting acquired as well.

I feel like Ruffian in particular would be a good fit and could potentially be like an in-house Insomniac.

I'll digress for now and just focus on the studios actually announced.

The Initiative - I don't love the name but I am very intrigued.

Undead Labs - I've not been too impressed and I'm not all that into zombie games but I can only hope they branch out a little more in the genre. Lots of potential there.

Ninja Theory - amazing get imo, this could work out great for both parties if Microsoft holds true to their promise of allowing them full creative freedom. The sky is the limit.

Compulsion Games - this is, I believe, the potential dark horse of the lot. We Happy Few looks fantastic and gives off very strong BioShock/Dishonored vibes, which could potentially be amazing going forward.

Playground Games - this is both their biggest and most obvious get. This a studio with a high pedigree and track record. Carte Blanche status imo. I think they could and should split it up into two studios to add a sixth new studio to stable that's dedicated to Fable and whatever follows.

Overall I'm very excited with the possibilities that may follow these acquisitions and I hope Microsoft stays the course.

I honestly thought Playground was already part of Microsoft. Their Forza Horizon work is literally strong enough to make me buy into the Xbox platform this generation. How and why Sony has passed on an open world sim-arcade is beyond me, but it's a missed opportunity for sure. It's what I wish Driveclub would have been.

Theorry said:

Uhh that already happened. That studio is already open since last summer and they went on a crazy hire spree already last year.

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What are they called?

I'm so torn on this. I love a Microsoft that is fighting hard, it's good for the industry and us, but I also fear the track record and that this is just the beginning of a "papa" EA situation.

When was the last time one of the big three bought up previously multiplatform studios? I can't think of many. Mojang I guess but they are still releasing on everything.

Now gime a Fighting Game Studio.

Soap said:

It is sad that Ninja Theory will only be available on Xbox, but I am happy they have the security they need to continue. I just hope they are given the creative freedom they need.

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It's sad that new Kojima game is exclusive to PS.
It's sad that Mass market icon like Spiderman is also exclusive to PS.

You don't care as long as your preferred platform getting best games, moment other platforms gets some good stuff. It's sad ,right?

Oluasc said:

Now gime a Fighting Game Studio.

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Ki already exists and iron Galaxy handles KI

itchi said:

Maybe Sony will blur it out.

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Lol, well played.

Interesting move.
This make me potentially interested again in their next-gen console (after this One that didn't convince me)

MunkyMan33 said:

I'm so torn on this. I love a Microsoft that is fighting hard, it's good for the industry and us, but I also fear the track record and that this is just the beginning of a "papa" EA situation.

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Well if studios delivers non stop flops sometimes then you have to take some serious steps. Hopefully NT creative team create some refreshing experiences like Hellblade.

Lionhead was given enough resources and support during 360 but their creative team sucked so it's time for them to go to chopping block .

Dr. Caroll said:

I suspect that most of the people confused about why Microsoft would want the developer of We Happy Few are conflating the Early Access We Happy Few which is essentially a survival game with basically no plot with the actual game (which is a story-driven experience) which is going to be released this year. Also, Microsoft have been interested in the game for a while. They originally were shown the game and asked for the reveal trailer to be held back so MS could debut it at Gamescom. The reason the game has been delayed and why Gearbox gave them money was so that the game could be reworked into a product resembling the original trailer. This new trailer dropped today.

Sure, WHF could turn out to be lacklustre. But a lot of people seem to genuinely not understand what the game is. It looks very promising.

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This looks great

kaputt said:

Really glad for Ninja Theory, I think working as a first party studio is the ideal form for them, unfortunately the kind of games they like to create don't usually get the attention of big publishers. I think they can work as an equivalent of Naughty Dog or SSM for Microsoft, creating an unique and successful single player IP for Xbox.

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Exactly. I always thought they were an underrated studio. Despite their great games they never had their big commercial break. I hope they will be able to flourish without having to worry about funding.

Lady Lunalesca said:

Sony was so dumb not buying them but congrats and best of luck to them.

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No one were helping poor folks. Not a single publisher agreed to support them. They had to put their livelihood on the line to release Hellblade.

MS was the only agreed to help them out. NT joined them to safeguard their future on their terms. Only thing they have to compromise is releasing games on ps.