790°

Why Xbox bought Ninja Theory

Microsoft explains why mid-sized studios are important to its Game Pass subscription service.

Read Full Story >>
gamesindustry.biz
Sciurus_vulgaris2109d ago

I understand why MS bought Playground, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. However, Compulsion Games to me was an unproven studio, I found its purchase to be odd.

Cohagen4202108d ago

They threw offers at a lot of studios supposedly, not all of them took the bait so they took what they could get.

thexmanone2108d ago

you got a link to that, I`d like to see it

King_Noctis2108d ago

Yeah I’d really like to see your source for that.

showtimefolks2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

Xman

No need for a link that's how acquisitions work. And ms has a track record of shutting down studios so maybe some of the high profile ones didn't want to sell their freedom

Like for example if they approached insomniac they wouldn't sell when they didn't want to be bought out by Sony(and sunset overdrive didn't sell well on Xbox) or if they approached platinum games they wouldn't sell because ms cancelled their game

Now if ms show they are giving creative freedom and resources than down the road maybe more studios would want to join

It was a good start by Ms but let's see what type of games these studios work on

doggo842108d ago

I'm sure Ms tried to buy Insomniac at some some stage too

Christopher2108d ago

***No need for a link that's how acquisitions work.***

No, that's not how acquisition work.

What @Cohagen420 said was they threw offers at a lot of studios. That's not how it works.

What happens is (and very watered down):

1. Company becomes interested in buying other companies to bolster their portfolio.
2. Company reviews companies of interest and value that won't cost too much but will add more profit potential.
3. Company narrows down options to a handful if not just one company of great importance.
4. Company approaches companies with interest and a figure based on their financial potential in a long term period (10-years or more).
5. Company either says 'no interest', 'okay', or 'not enough'
6. Go back to #1

It's not just throwing a lot of offers out to a lot of companies. That's not how it works.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2108d ago
obidanshinobi2108d ago

I think there's some good talent at Compulsion Games, with more staff and a higher budget I'm confident they can create a good AAA game. We Happy Few is garbage though.

Poopmist2108d ago

It probably would've been good if they kept it as a short game.

2108d ago
gamer78042108d ago

Hopefully their next game is less weird

Jinger2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

Compulsion Games has now done Contrast and We Happy Few which are both sitting in the 60% range on Meta. Both games most reviewers agreed had some really good and creative ideas, but I think the studio just lacks solid direction and overall programming talent. Spencer said that he really loves their creativity and the stories they want to tell so with some AAA support and help from other in house studios I'm sure they will have potential.

rainslacker2108d ago

That's what I think. They certainly have the creativity, its just a matter of getting the talent that can bring that creativity to life. If MS can make them more stable financially, and provide better management for the studio, then I think they can make some really good games.

Brazz2108d ago

I agree whit playground and ninja, but why undead labs? U.labs just have state of decay under their belt, they are prety much at the same level of compulsion. U.labs and compulsion need to improve alot, both only got low meta games.

Sciurus_vulgaris2108d ago

Undead Labs has had success with State of Decay despite the semi-polarizing reviews of the series. Undead Labs like Playground also had a long term relationship with MS. Undead Labs needs access to better programmers. With Microsoft owning both Havok and Simplygon, first-party games should have no excuses for being unoptimized.

conanlifts2108d ago

State of decay is a niche game that does have a small cult following. People like myself think the game is amazing, but I do agree that it is not for everyone. But with this in mind it is great for those that are fans and I think it was a worthwhile purchase. Plus there is so much more that could be done with a bigger budget and more help. The game has so much untapped potential.

rainslacker2108d ago

I think compulsion is capable of making decent to good games. I did like Contrast. I can understand why MS would want more mid-tier games for something like game pass, because AAA games are kind of too expensive for a subscription service without a lot more users or a secondary monetazation scheme for those releases.

Compulsion seems to be a dev which can get ahead of itself in ambition though, and I think that its possible that some of their problems come from management that can't handle changes or adapt. I feel this way because they changed up what they were trying to do with WHF, when there wasn't much need to. That kind of thing should have been done earlier in development. It's not unheard of, but it leads to problems if the studio itself can't adapt well enough.

sprinterboy2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

What I want to know, serious question. 1. Why didn't alot of ps owners support a great game called heavenly sword
2. How many last gen ms multiple console owners ie 360/ps3 support heavenly sword.
Its weird how a game or games don't get supported some times in sales when it's a great game ie prison break which got 2 or 3/10 on reviews yet it never needed a patch after launch because its frame rate was solid from the launch, no screen tearing, no bugs or glitches and yet it played exactly the same as a PC cult classic riddick gameplay/mechanics wise which got 9/10 reviews.
Unfortunately if a game/s not the in cool game it sometimes doesn't sell well.
Same goes for until dawn, modnation racers (just as good Mario kart imo) minus the load times, MAG was awesome but everyone loved cod instead, quantum break (great game) didn't sell well, metro series is a classic, can't believe that only sold roughly 1.5m yet people crave for half life 3 announcement yet haven't played the metro series.
Its crazy how some games do well and others don't.
I love my uncharted series and bought all the games and dlc but let's not kid ourselves, it's a cover shooter game we've all played b4 but it was the characters sully, drake, naughty dog etc and the story which made it so great yet spec ops which is absolutely awesome only sold 2m or so across 3 platforms?
I know I'm rambling, I agreed with your comment btw plus I'm off topic lol.

JBryant06192108d ago

Because Heavenly Sword is a 10-12 Hour game with no replayability? Not worth $60 in my opinion. I did buy it for $20 used down the line though.

rainslacker2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

Heavenly Sword did decently well for a launch game. Not spectacular, but it was barely marketed. Plus, it was instantly compared to GOW.

I can say that I know a lot of PS3 owners seem to have at least played the game, and I haven't seen a single person say that it was a bad game. It was one of my favorite games of last gen personally. It had solid game play, a great story, and some of the best voice acting of any game last gen....even compared to ND games.

Sometimes games go under the radar and become cult classics. it sucks for those good games that manage to come out.

3-4-52108d ago

They needed to acquire companies first. Then once they belong to Microsoft, they can then determine which type of games that studio will make. (Obviously consulting the studio first).

Now that they have them, they are building up for next gen.

Expect a lot of games in year 2-3 of the next Xbox and not that many at launch because it's going to take a while for these studios to get some games going, although I'm sure some of them have been working on next gen stuff in the background anyways.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2108d ago
LeeU2109d ago

I think that the studio they've acquired have shown promise and mass appeal with whatever games they've released. Ninja theory has had some great titles fly under the radar for example. Compulsion games is a clear outlier in that it hasn't really shown us anything other than Contrast and We happy few. At the very least I know they are capable of creating an interesting world. Who knows, with Microsofts financially backing them they might create something bigger and hopefully better too.

sprinterboy2108d ago

Contrast was a great game, 1st game I played b4 resogun and kz shadow fall on my ps4 launch night lol

Razzer2108d ago

"It's telling how Booty is using 'Game Pass' rather than 'Xbox One' in his answers. It's clear the subscription service is taking on a far more prominent role within the Xbox business. "

Yep

gangsta_red2108d ago

The Xbox One is already established and it's a given that these games will be available for it through regular means.

Game Pass on the other hand is still new and in need of more content, so yep, as of now these execs are talking more about Game Pass and saying how they will expand it's content.

giovanealex2108d ago Show
Razzer2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

@gangsta_red

I don't disagree with any of that. Game Pass is obviously getting a major push from Microsoft going forward. Game Pass is probably the most attractive gaming product that Microsoft has. Microsoft bought Ninja Theory to help boost their pipeline of content into Game Pass. Both Windows 10 and Xbox will benefit from it in the long run.

@giovanealex

Damn.....triggered over one word.

mandingo2108d ago

It’s been good lately in my opinion. Adding doom hitman fallout and ruiner. Of course if you’ve played these already it doesn’t affect you. I haven’t played hitman fallout or ruiner so good value for me

rainslacker2108d ago

I doubt most of these studios will make games for Xbox One specifically. Most just finished up games, and by the time they get around to releasing their next games, it'll likely be a new gen. Its possible that they could be cross gen though, except for Playground and that new studio. Mid-tier titles likely won't require as much power.

Obscure_Observer2108d ago

@rainslacker

"Its possible that they could be cross gen though, except for Playground and that new studio."

Playground Games already confirmed that they´re developing their new Open World RPG using the X as the base hardware.

rainslacker2108d ago

That's true. I always forget they made a 2nd team for that. Probably because when it was announced they were dodgy about it being exclusive, and at the same time even talked about the possibility of making a multi-plat, and it really hasn't been mentioned much since.

But that being said, is the X the Xbox One, or the mid gen release? If it doesn't come out on the OGX1, then it doesn't change what I said in regards to them. If MS changes the rules of generations, it doesn't mean they're making these games for those who brought into the X1, rather, they're abandoning them in favor of their new hardware.

But I was just speculating with my comment, so I'm not going to fuss about it too much.

Jinger2108d ago

Because they need another high quality studio that will create intriguing games?

AK912108d ago

Because of how awesome Hellblade was.

mark_parch2108d ago

I'm half way through the game now and the atmosphere and sound design is outstanding. combat is simple but enjoyable. I'm not to keen on some of the puzzle elements but overall so far really enjoying it

Goldby2108d ago

Wait til you get the new weapon. More combos open up

KickSpinFilter2108d ago (Edited 2108d ago )

I do hope your wearing a good pair of headphones.

Goldby2108d ago

For the people disagreeing there are new combos based kn if you are tapping or holding down the Atta k button along with different direction input.

The sword has to be glowing for them to work

Show all comments (119)
70°

Every PlayStation Studios game available now on Windows PC

Windows Central writes: "Many PlayStation Studios games that are ported to PC get dedicated PS5 DualSense support, which allows users to experience haptic feedback and adaptive trigger support without actually having to own a PS5.

According to Hermen Hulst, head of PlayStation Studios, it's still the company's intent to launch the bigger single-player games on PS5 first, before later bringing the games to PC. This might not be the case for multiplayer games however, which are considered okay to launch simultaneously on console and PC."

Read Full Story >>
windowscentral.com
ocelot076h ago

My guess is after god of war. Probably last of us 2 that's a almost 4 year old game now and by the time it's released on pc it will be more than 4 years old or close to 5.

Elda1h ago

Every old Playstation game that is now on PC.

200°

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie

Former Activision studio Toys for Bob partners with Xbox to publish its first game as an indie. This is something of a homecoming, as Microsoft owns Activision.

Read Full Story >>
engadget.com
Obscure_Observer17h ago

Very very early in development. Still, fantastic news!

Let´s GO!!!

Lightning7715h ago

I guess.

How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )

At least it wouldn't be MS of all ppl destroying them.

MS really should let go Tango go like they did TFB here.

darthv7215h ago(Edited 15h ago)

one was under Bethesda (Tango) the other under Activision (TFB). Clearly each one handled the separations of their subordinates differently.

Obscure_Observer14h ago(Edited 14h ago)

"How come they didnt either let them go or sell Tango and others to another publisher? Not saying Ubisoft, EA would be any better. (Capcome would of treated them right )"

Perhaps because Zenimax and ABK handles such matters differently based on their own internal policies as "independent" publishers.

Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future. Which could also be the reason why they ensured an exclusive partnership with TFB and its new game, before anyone else.

Sad and disgusting. But it is what it is.

Lightning7711h ago(Edited 11h ago)

"Whoever, chances are it´s simply because MS didn´t wanted Tango or Austin to be acquired by competitors and develop new bangers for them, giving MS a bad rep in a possible future."

MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB.

It's inexcusable, they have options on how to handle studios they don't want anymore with killing jobs. Not just MS but the rest of the industry also.

Sad and disgusting sure how many will get shut down next year or this year even?

I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another.

Obscure_Observer3h ago(Edited 3h ago)

"MS has a bad rep now because those studios are no more. I rather them sell the studio continue to make multiplatform releases, while MS continues to focus on whatever they're doing. If they didn't want Tango around they should separated from them or sell them to, like they did TFB."

Imo, MS separated from TFB because they didn´t had a game associated with Xbox yet, unlike Tango.

"I don't trust MS decisions and motivations at this point. You have to admit they make one dumb move after another."

Fair enough. It was indeed an epic dumb move from them to close Tango.

Still, all to be forgotten, like always have. This is not the first time a big publisher shuts down a beloved and/or successful studio out of nowhere and certainly won´t be the last. Do you remember Lionhead? Do you remember Evolution Studios? Yeah... both were beloved studios and yet, those companies kill those studios in q blink of an eye and got away with it.

anast1h ago(Edited 1h ago)

The studio boss made some money from this transaction. Once the game releases, the studio will get chopped up.

-Foxtrot17h ago

Manages to buy their freedom especially after all the shit Microsoft has been doing with its studios lately

...

Goes right back to them as partners.

Okaaaaaay...

darthv7215h ago

Id venture a guess that TFB working directly with MS was a better outcome than working through Activision to get to MS.

VersusDMC13h ago

From the article...

"Toys for Bob spun out as an indie back in February after Microsoft instituted sweeping layoffs that impacted 86 employees, which was more than half of the staff"

I doubt those 86 employees enjoyed the Microsoft experience over Activisions.

Inverno13h ago

MS shuts down studios because of lack of resources and then helps these guys by giving em resources. Also MS is what forced them to buy their freedom in the first place? What kind of logic 😂

Chevalier9h ago

The best thing is that the company that is worth $3 trillion and owns the company instead of Xbox lacks resources. How the hell does a company worth $3 trillion making a measly $70 billion purchase they 'can't' support. Lol

Sciurus_vulgaris15h ago(Edited 15h ago)

Xbox’s gaming division seems to still function as 3 semi-autonomous sub-divisions, Xbox Studios, Bethesda and ABK. The three main sub-divisions can seemingly shut down or build studios and set up partnerships independently. This would explain why Bethesda can recently shutdown studios, while ABK spins off one studio, while building a new one. Plus, Toys for Bob could be spun off by ABK, only to immediately re-partner with Microsoft.

Chevalier9h ago

That's absolutely 💯 BS. Any sane 'autonomous' company would NOT put their games on Gamepass day 1 like COD will lose probably billions.

Also they're all under Xbox game studios so any autonomy is an illusion.

Elda9h ago

Either a kiddie game or something uninteresting.

Obscure_Observer3h ago

Don´t worry. You won´t be playing it anyway since their next game will possible be a next gen Xbox console game.

Elda2h ago(Edited 2h ago)

Don't worry about my comments.

Show all comments (20)
190°

Sony shares big new PS Plus stat, but not the one we want to see

PlayStation Plus has improved the split of PS4 and PS5 players on its priciest tiers, but Sony continues to hide total subscriber numbers.

Read Full Story >>
theloadout.com
mandf20h ago

lol acting like it’s equivalent to ms numbers

Mr Logic20h ago

Uh...They're definitely not equivalent.

"Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass service now has 34 million subscribers."

"the total number of PS Plus subscribers across all tiers was 47.4 million"

darthv7220h ago(Edited 20h ago)

That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN.

bloop16h ago

That's not the "gotcha" you think it is Darth.

darthv7215h ago

^^it's not supposed to be bloop.... it's just an interesting observation.

Einhander197214h ago

darthv72

"That PSN number seems like it should be much higher... especially when you consider that PS4 alone has a sell through of over 117m. To not even be at least half that is rather interesting.

To the XB side, having 34m to an install base of roughly 50m (XBO sell through) or even 85m (360 sell through) is a greater percentage of unit to member ratio than PSN."

Have you ever heard of a PC before? I hear they are pretty popular.

fr0sty8h ago

MS started lumping gold subscribers in with those GP numbers... keep in mind.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 8h ago
shinoff218319h ago(Edited 19h ago)

What. Definitely more os plus subscribers but that makes sense due to actual console sales

Darth the difference between the bases are huge your right but you gotta think. Ps players buy more games, where as the Xbox base relies on gamepass for their gaming. So it makes perfect sense

darthv7219h ago(Edited 19h ago)

What makes perfect sense though? You say PS players buy more games... so then logically there should be more PS+ subscribers given the increased number of online multiplayer games in the PS4 generation alone. The PS4 was the first time that + was required for online play much like Gold was for 360 users.

Keep in mind we are talking subscribers, not simply XB/PS users. I assume you meant to say offline single player games, which is most likely true as well. That gen also saw a significant increase in games with an online component comparted to the previous gen.

victorMaje18h ago

I for one will be going back to essential at the next renewal. When I feel a game is good & right up my alley, I’ll check trusted reviews & just buy it.

jznrpg17h ago(Edited 17h ago)

I have the top tier until 2028 as they gave me a massive discount for all the years I had left but I’ll most likely go to essential as well. I buy my games but my kids do use the service occasionally. They do prefer to own their games as well since any game can leave the rental service at some point and they don’t like that idea. They mostly use it to demo games then ask me to buy games if they really like it.

RedDevils13h ago

For me, I will cancel it all together but unfortunately I still have it till 2030 lol

meganick17h ago

I would like to see Sony add a fourth tier of PS Plus for people who just want to be able to play games online without any of the perks like monthly games, store discounts, or anything like that, and it should cost $20 annually, $30 maximum. There’s no way I’m paying $80 just to play games online. Even the original $60 fee was too much, and I would often wait for sales to re-up my subscription.

P_Bomb13h ago(Edited 13h ago)

Essential is too expensive, I agree. We’ve got one Essential and one Premium sub. Dropping the Premium when it expires.

gamerz9h ago

Just let my subscription lapse for the first time since 2010. Will sub again every now and then for a month or so to access my old ps+ games but for me it's the end of an era.

DivineHand1259h ago

Let those numbers continue to drop because it is now too expensive. $80 per year just to play online. I noticed they didn't offer any discounts on the subscription or controllers during this year's days of play for the first time in many years and they will feel it when people choose not to renew.

My subscription will lapse next month and it will stay that way until further notice.

KevtheDuff5h ago

There were savings on subs and controllers here in the UK? I bought a controller yesterday in the sale..
It would be weird if those deals were not in other territories too?