Phil Spencer just announced this on stage. The creation of a brand new studio and bringing 4 more under the Microsoft Studios umbrella.

The Initiative (New studio)

Ninja Theory (Hellblade)

Playground Games (Forza Horizon)

Undead Labs (State of Decay)

Compulsion Games (We Happy Few)

no great loss for others in terms of the acquisitions, but a nice expansion for MS studios. while seems like they tried to buy anyone they had any kind of partnership with and saw what stuck, they may at least be somewhat competitive next gen. as long as they invest in these studios and make them AAA instead of AA and indie

In my opinion: Microsoft should rather develop (more) good own games, instead of buying multi-studios -.- For that reason ... its sad, there will never be a "Heavenly Sword 2" in future, no chance now.

Excellent additions. Phil delivered and opened the checkbook. Playground and Undead Labs are solid investments.

Ninja Theory is a great add in terms of epic story based SP games.

All in all looking promising for the platform going forward

Thanks for the better thread Carl. This is what Microsoft needed. I see them being much more competitive next gen. Go phil!!

This is HUGE!MS seems to be finally doing the right decisions.

MS already actively preparing for next generation.
Well done, MS. Well done.

Great for them.

Ninja Theory is the really big one, buying Playground Games doesn't really mean much.

Ninja Theory is an interesting acquisition. As long as Microsoft gives them creative freedom, then they should serve as a good 1st party studio.

Yep! Now with Xbox One X already released. Its time to focus on creating more game with these new studios!