Xbox Game Studios
 | |
| Company type | Division of Microsoft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Interactive entertainment Computer and video games |
| Founded | 2002 (as Microsoft Game Studios) 2011 (as Microsoft Studios) |
| Headquarters | Redmond, Washington, U.S. |
Key people | Don Mattrick (president, Interactive Entertainment Business) Phil Spencer (Corporate Vice President) Phil Harrison (Head of Microsoft Game Studios Europe) |
| Products | Xbox Xbox 360 Games for Windows Windows Phone Xbox Live Kinect for Xbox 360 |
| Parent | Microsoft |
| Website | Official website |
Microsoft Studios is the video game production wing for Microsoft, responsible for the development and publishing of games for the Xbox, Xbox 360, Games for Windows and Windows Phone platforms. They were established in 2002 as Microsoft Game Studios to coincide with the release of the Xbox, before being re-branded in 2011. Microsoft Studios develops and publishes games in conjunction with first and third party development studios under their publishing label.
History
2006
- Microsoft Studios announced that they have purchased Lionhead Studios, known for developing critically acclaimed titles such as Black & White and Fable.[1]
- Microsoft Studios acquired Massive Incorporated, an in-game advertising company to provide additional revenues from their gaming platforms.[2]
2007
- Microsoft Studios announced the opening of a European office in Reading, England, headed by General manager Phil Spencer.[3]
- Microsoft Studios disbanded FASA Studio, best known for their work on the MechWarrior series.
- Halo developers Bungie announced that they would split from Microsoft Studios in order become a privately held independent company.
2008
- Microsoft Studios disbanded casual games studio Carbonated Games.
- Microsoft Studios announced the formation of Xbox Live Productions to develop "high-quality digital content" for Xbox Live Arcade.[4]
2009
- Microsoft Studios announced the closure of both Ensemble Studios and Aces Studio, due to the effects of the late-2000s financial crisis and the restructuring of their game development studios.
- In May, Microsoft acquires Canadian developer BigPark Inc. and itegrates them into Microsoft Games.
- Phil Spencer was promoted to Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios in order to replace the retiring Shane Kim.[5]
- Microsoft Studios formed Good Science Studio to develop software for Kinect.
2010
- Microsoft Studios formed a Mobile Gaming studio focused on developing gaming and entertainment multimedia for Windows Phone.[6]
- Microsoft Studios forms new internal studio named Microsoft Flight Development Team to bring Microsoft Flight to PC.[7]
2011
- Microsoft Studios opens new development studios in London, Redmond, Victoria, and Virginia.[8][9][10][11]
- Microsoft Studios acquired indie game developer Twisted Pixel Games, known for developing titles including 'Splosion Man and The Gunstringer.[12][13]
- Microsoft Studios recruits for new development studios in Redmond — Microsoft Studios LEAP and Platform Next Studios.[14][15]
2012
- Microsoft Studios recruits for new development studios in Redmond — Microsoft Studios - Sports Entertainment Group[16]
- Phil Harrison former Sony Game Studios has joined Microsoft as head of Microsoft European Studios and IEB[17]
Software development studios
Microsoft Studios contains eighteen studios worldwide:
Owned franchises and properties
See also
- List of video games published by Microsoft Studios
- List of video games published by Nintendo
- List of video games published by Sony Computer Entertainment
References
- ^ "Microsoft Game Studios Acquires Video Game Luminary Peter Molyneux's Lionhead Studios: Lionhead's hit franchise "Fable" surpasses 2 million unit sales milestone". Microsoft News Center.
- ^ "Microsoft to Acquire In-Game Advertising Pioneer Massive Inc.: Massive's technology for weaving dynamic, relevant ads into video games will extend next-generation advertising ..." Microsoft News Center.
- ^ David Jenkins. "New Microsoft Game Studios Office For Europe". Gamasutra.
- ^ Joe Keiser (May 22, 2008). "Exclusive Interview: MS to Delist XBLA Titles". Next-Gen.biz. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
- ^ Tor Thorsen. "Microsoft's Phil Spencer promoted, Shane Kim retiring". cnet.
- ^ Rob Crossley. "MGS turns to mobile games". MCV.
- ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/games/en-us/community/pages/gamescom.aspx%7Ctitle=MGS bring Microsoft Flight to PC|
- ^ Clemens Timmermans. "First party Kinect core games by MGS Vancouver". 123KINECT.
- ^ "Job positions for Soho Studio".
- ^ "Microsoft opens new studio for Kinect".
- ^ "Microsoft opening game studio in Victoria".
- ^ http://majornelson.com/2011/10/12/welcome-twisted-pixel-to-microsoft-studios/
- ^ http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/12/microsoft-buys-indie-developer-twisted-pixel/
- ^ Microsoft. "Level Designer-IEB-Microsoft Studios-LEAP". Microsoft.
- ^ Microsoft. "Sr. HR Manager for 343 Industries and Platform Next Studio". Microsoft.
- ^ {{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft-careers.com/job/Redmond-Development-Architect-IEB-Microsoft-Studios-Sports-Entertainment-Group-%28786103%29-Job-WA-98052/1750583/%7Ctitle=MGS recruits for Sports Entertainment Group|
- ^ {{http://www.vg247.com/2012/03/13/report-phil-harrison-to-join-microsoft-as-head-of-european-games-studios/%7Ctitle=Phil Harrison takes over Microsoft Europe|
