Alpha Dog Games Regains Independence After Microsoft Closure
Alpha Dog Games has successfully reacquired its studio from Microsoft. The developer, known for Mighty Doom, is now independently owned again. The studio is actively exploring new partnerships and updating its engine for future projects.
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Comings and Goings
Alpha Dog Games founders have reacquired their studio from Microsoft following its closure in 2024. Additionally, Asha Sharma, who was appointed as Xbox's VP of engineering, has departed the company after only three months.
Alpha Dog Games returns to independence two years after being shuttered by Xbox
Alpha Dog Games, the developer of Mighty Doom, has returned to independent ownership two years after being shut down by Microsoft. Studio founder Shawn Woods confirmed the transition, expressing gratitude to Microsoft for enabling the return. The studio is updating its Unity-based engine and is in discussions with partners, though specific projects remain undisclosed.
Alpha Dog Games founders reacquire studio from Microsoft following 2024 closure
Alpha Dog Games has reacquired its studio from Microsoft, returning to independent ownership after being shut down by Microsoft in 2024. Co-founder Shawn Woods expressed gratitude for Microsoft's cooperation during the transition and excitement for the studio's future, though specific projects are not yet being discussed. The Nova Scotia-based studio, founded in 2012 and previously acquired by Bethesda in 2019, is exploring new opportunities with partners.
Another former Xbox studio is "independently owned, again" after Microsoft shut it down in 2024
Alpha Dog Games, a studio previously shut down by Microsoft in 2024, has reemerged as an independently owned entity. Studio founder Shawn Woods updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change, indicating the studio regained independence in May 2025. This follows a trend of studios becoming independent after Microsoft's recent closures and layoffs.
