Microsoft sent shockwaves across the industry with its E3 2018 by announcing during its Microsoft conference that it has snapped up five game studios (four established, plus one new studio) that includes some of the cream of the crop of gaming minds.
Below is the list of established studios bought by Microsoft to swell their ranks, and the quintet are certainly impressive. Former Crystal Dynamics Head Darrell Gallagher is at the head of a brand-new studio, The Initiative. Ninja Theory is also coming under Microsoft’s wing.
Microsoft E3 2018’s New Game Studios
- The Initiative
- Ninja Theory
- Undead Labs
- Compulsion Games
- Playground Games
Ninja Theory, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice aside, the studio is perhaps best known for DmC and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West. Needless to say, it’s a huge get for Microsoft, with Ninja Theory fast becoming one of the best studios around.
Compulsion Games are currently working on We Happy Few, which is slated to get a full release on August 10.
Undead Labs have achieved success with State of Decay 2 on Xbox Game Pass, so it’s little surprise to see that studio being bought out by Microsoft.
Playground Games, of course, are on course for Forza Horizon 4‘s release this year, and are now under Microsoft’s watchful eye.
We wanted Microsoft to deliver at E3 2018 and, well, they certainly delivered. Not only have they single-handedly swelled their selection overnight, they’ve now got exclusivity rights to some of the most beloved cult classics over the past few years. The future is looking bright for Microsoft.
