Studio Acquisitions
Ongoing coverage on Studio Acquisitions.
Latest coverage
Changing acquired studios' core identity consistently leads to doom, says Nightdive Studios CEO
Nightdive Studios CEO Stephen Kick believes that acquiring game studios and then forcing them to change their core identity or development practices consistently leads to their eventual downfall. He contrasts this with Atari's approach, which has allowed Nightdive and other acquired studios to continue focusing on their strengths, such as remastering classic games, leading to a more positive outcome.
Xbox Seeks Partner to Support Arkane Lyon as It Finishes Marvel's Blade, Extends Search for Buyer
Microsoft is exploring options to find a partner to support Arkane Lyon during the development of Marvel's Blade and has extended the deadline to find a buyer for the studio. This indicates potential financial or strategic difficulties for the studio.
Rapport: Arkane ligger pyrt till, men hoppet är inte ute
A report indicates that Xbox is actively seeking a buyer for Arkane Studios before a November 13 deadline, as French law requires a three-month period to find a new owner before potential closure. While the Blade game Arkane is developing is reportedly nearing completion, the future of the studio remains uncertain, though journalist Jason Schreier suggests the situation may not be as dire as it appears, citing legal and financial deterrents for Xbox to close the studio.
Arkane Lyon’s Deadline to Find a New Buyer Has Been Pushed Back to December 13th
Microsoft has extended the deadline for Arkane Lyon to find a new buyer to December 13th, allowing the studio to continue development on Marvel's Blade. This decision comes amidst wider Xbox cost-cutting measures, including significant job cuts and the divestiture of other studios, which have led to anger and concern among employees and union representatives.
As devastating Xbox "reset" continues, Dishonored studio Arkane Lyon reportedly only has until November to find a new buyer before it's closed
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, is reportedly facing closure by November if a buyer is not found, following significant layoffs at Xbox. Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, which owned Arkane, in 2021. The studio's current project, Marvel's Blade, is reportedly still in development but its future is uncertain amidst these potential closures.
Arkane survival negotiations reportedly seeing "several forms of takeover" considered ahead of November deadline, as Marvel's Blade production nears end
Arkane Lyon, the studio behind Dishonored and Deathloop, is reportedly considering several takeover options as Microsoft's divorce from the studio approaches a November deadline. With 217 jobs at risk, unions are expressing dissatisfaction with Microsoft's handling of the negotiations, though production on Marvel's Blade is nearing completion.
Splash Damage acquired this studio just 3 months after laying off a bunch of people—now it's laying them off,…
Splash Damage Group, which was acquired by private equity investors and subsequently acquired Gamepires just eight months ago, has now laid off employees from Gamepires. This follows earlier layoffs at Splash Damage itself. The article highlights the cyclical nature of such events in the industry, contrasting the layoffs with the continued success of Gamepires' game, Scum.
It's 24 years since Xbox bought Rare and things have only got worse for everyone
This article analyzes the 24th anniversary of Microsoft's acquisition of Rare, arguing it was an ominous sign for Xbox's current struggles. The piece details Rare's history, its shift from Nintendo exclusivity to Xbox, and the subsequent decline in quality and sales, culminating in its current state under Activision and focus on Sea of Thieves.
Bethesda försäkrar att Obsidian ska få behålla sin identitet
Bethesda has assured employees of Obsidian Entertainment that the studio will retain its distinct creative identity and operate as a separate team following its acquisition by Xbox. Bethesda Game Studios will continue to lead the Fallout franchise, with both studios collaborating on a new Fallout project.
Obsidian will keep its "creative identity" under Bethesda, Fallout and Elder Scrolls boss says in leaked memo
A leaked memo from Bethesda president Jill Braff suggests Obsidian Entertainment will maintain its creative identity while reporting to Bethesda following Xbox's recent layoffs and restructuring. Despite assurances, concerns remain about Obsidian's future, particularly regarding its original IP development and the shift towards franchise-led projects, especially with reports of layoffs and a new Fallout game collaboration.
Activision was playing the long game – the Call of Duty dev lost a bidding war to acquire Rare over 20 years ago,…
Activision is now the home of Rare, 24 years after Xbox outbid the publisher for the studio in 2002. This move comes as part of Microsoft's recent reshuffling and job cuts. Rare, known for titles like Sea of Thieves and the Banjo-Kazooie series, now falls under the Activision banner alongside other classic platforming icons.
Xbox's devastating July was inevitable
The article suggests that Xbox's strategy of acquiring numerous independent studios was an inevitable and potentially unsustainable approach. It implies that owning every great indie studio is neither possible nor desirable in the long term.
"There's a wealth of talent here, our focus is on how to leverage and support it" – Atari appoints Andreas Deptolla as Atari Europe president
Atari has appointed Andreas Deptolla as the new president of Atari Europe, overseeing approximately 100 employees and European headquarters. Richard Snowdon, CEO of Coatsink, has been named vice president of Atari Europe. Deptolla aims to leverage European talent and support acquired studios by focusing on core values and providing expertise in areas like finance and publishing, while also exploring organic growth in distribution and licensing.
'Regarding Arkane… how much?' — Xbox is falling apart and as thousands more are hit with layoffs, I think it's time for someone to save the Dishonored and Marvel's Blade developer before it's too late
Amidst widespread layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, there are concerns about the future of Arkane Studios. The article argues for Arkane's acquisition by another company to preserve its legacy of acclaimed titles like Dishonored and Prey, and to ensure the completion of its current project, Marvel's Blade.
State of Decay 3 Studio Confirms Development is Continuing as it Transitions Out of Xbox
Undead Labs has confirmed that development on State of Decay 3 is continuing as the studio transitions away from Xbox. While details about the new ownership are scarce, the studio expressed optimism about the game's future. This news comes amidst significant layoffs and studio sales within Xbox, affecting other developers like Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games.
Here’s What’s Going On With Marvel’s Blade And Its Developer Amid Xbox “Reset”
Amidst Microsoft's business 'reset' involving layoffs and studio sales, the future of Arkane Lyon and its game Marvel's Blade is uncertain. The French studio is undergoing consultation, with potential outcomes ranging from sale to closure, impacting the development of the delayed and reportedly over-budget Blade game, which was announced in 2023 without gameplay footage.
Xbox acquisitions have been a disaster: "In a typical year, we lost 64 cents for every dollar we invested"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma revealed that Microsoft's aggressive acquisition strategy has resulted in significant financial losses, with the company losing 64 cents for every dollar invested in typical years since 2018. In response to this unsustainable model, Xbox is undergoing a reset, leading to layoffs and the divestment of several studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, while others like Arkane Studios are reviewing strategic options.
