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[KyoZz]

(Playstation studios overview here)


Microsoft dropped a bombshell on the video game industry this week by announcing the $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the company that owns some of the biggest developers in the industry including Bethesda Game Studio, id Software and Arkane Studios. That means classic games like the Fallout series, The Elder Scrolls series, the DOOM series, and more are now under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella.
23 studios are now a part of their roster. But who are these studios and what are they currently working on? Here is a list below: ​

343 Industries – Created after the departure of Bungie Studios to develop Halo games. Currently working on Halo: Infinite, launching in 2021​

​

Compulsion Games – Acquired in 2018, they developed We Happy Few and recently released the last DLC for the game in late 2019. They are working on an unannounced game.​

​

Double Fine Productions – Acquired in 2019, they developed Psychonauts, Brutal Legend, and Broken Age plus remastered classic games like Grim Fandango, Day of the Tentacle, and Full Throttle. They’re currently developing Psychonauts 2 for launch in 2021​

​

inXile Entertainment – Acquired in 2018, they developed the Wasteland and Bard’s Tale series. They launched Wasteland 3 this year with DLC planned post-launch.​

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Mojang Studios – Acquired in 2014, Mojang is the company behind Minecraft. The studio launched Minecraft Dungeons this year and has already released two DLC packs for the game, with more to follow.​

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Ninja Theory – Acquired in 2018, the studio developed Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and Heavenly Sword. They released Bleeding Edge this year and are currently working on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Project: Mara.​

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Obsidian Entertainment – Acquired in 2018, they developed Fallout: New Vegas, Pillars of Eternity, and The Outer Worlds. They’re currently working on Grounded, which is in early access, and a big budget first-person RPG based on the lore of Pillars of Eternity: Avowed.​

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Playground Games – The team behind the Forza Horizon franchise, they’re currently working on the next Fable game and Forza Horizon 5.​

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Rare – Acquired in 2002, the studio’s claim to fame Battletoads, Killer Instinct, Perfect Dark, and Banjo-Kazooie. They developed and continue to support Sea of Thieves and launched Battletoads, a reboot of the original, this year. They’re currently working on a new IP, Everwild.​

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The Coalition – The development studio was created after the acquisition of the Gears of War franchise from Epic Games. The studio launched Gears 5 in late 2019.​

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The Initiative – Created in 2018, the studio is currently working on an unannounced game.​

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Turn 10 Studios – The developer behind the Forza Motorsport franchise is currently working on the next title in the franchise simply called Forza Motorsport.​

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Undead Labs – Acquired in 2018, the studio developed the State of Decay series. They’re currently working on State of Decay 3.​

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World's Edge – Created in 2019, the studio will be developing all the Age of Empires franchise, and maybe other RTS like Age of Mythology. Hard at work on Age of Empires IV.​

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Bethesda Game Studios – Acquired in 2020, the studio as developed The Elder Scrolls III, IV, and V, and Fallout 3, 4, and 76. They’re currently developed Starfield and The Elder Scrolls VI.​

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id Software – Acquired in 2020, they’re the masterminds behind the DOOM franchise and released DOOM Eternal earlier this year.​

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ZeniMax Online Studios – Acquired in 2020, the studio developed and continue to work on The Elder Scrolls Online.​

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Arkane – Acquired in 2020, the studio created the Dishonored franchise and assisted in developing Wolfenstein: Youngblood, and Wolfenstein: Cyberpilot. The studio is currently working on Deathloop, a timed exclusive for PlayStation 5, due in 2021.​

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MachineGames – Acquired in 2020, the studio worked on the Wolfenstein franchise since 2014’s Wolfenstein: The New Order.​

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Tango Gameworks – Acquired in 2020, the studio is known for The Evil Within franchise. They’re currently developing Ghostwire: Tokyo, a timed exclusive for PlayStation 5 due in 2021.​

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Alpha Dog – Acquired in 2020, the studio develops mobile games for iOS and Android. Their latest project is Ninja Golf and continues to support MonstroCity: Rampage and Wraithborne.​

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Roundhouse Studios – Acquired in 2020, this one is interesting. The studio was created by Bethesda Softworks in 2019 with former Human Head Studios developers to work on unannounced games.​

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Xbox Game Studios Publishing – The publishing arm of the game studios under Xbox Game Studios​

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[TonyK]

I must say it, I will buy a PS5 day one, that hasn't change it, but now I am also planning to purchase a Xbox series X because its first party lineup is now crazy.

 

[CatLady]

But I thought Xbox has no games

 

[UnNamed]

Good, but.. what game we will see at launch? At least Sony did an event with some gameplay and games for launch, MS is still missing.

 

[Flintty]

That’s impressive when laid out like that. High hopes for the future!

 

[Crm114]

Looking at that list you see the potential down the line but as of right now it's not really that impressive, unless you can't wait to play the back catalogue on gamepass.
2-3 years down the line thing are going to start to get interesting if they start to put out top notch games.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

But I thought Xbox has no games

They don't. Not yet.

 

[Hawking Radiation]

Good, but.. what game we will see at launch? At least Sony did an event with some gameplay and games for launch, MS is still missing.

Nothing. We're back to 'in a couple of years'

 

[EDMIX]

I must say it, I will buy a PS5 day one, that hasn't change it, but now I am also planning to purchase a Xbox series X because its first party lineup is now crazy.

I'm still buying a PS5 day 1 as well, but now I'm simply looking at those 3000 series cards. Will upgrade based on either Starfield or BFVI or Avowed.

 

[Silent Viper]

They don't. Not yet.

Third party don't count as games. What should i call Cuberpunk 2077 when i will play on Series X?

 

[Mokus]

But I thought Xbox has no games

And that is true. Xbox has game studios but no games, and this is not a joke.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Third party don't count as games. What should i call Cuberpunk 2077 when i will play on Series X?

I've never heard of Cuberpunk 2077. You can play Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 and PC though.

 

[Captain Hero]

Great list .. still not interested in XSX , maybe later I’ll get the S not for these games but for BC

 

[BusierDonkey]

Playground is also working on Forza Horizon 5, there are two seperate studios under the Playground brand now.

 

[Silent Viper]

I've never heard of Cuberpunk 2077. You can play Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 and PC though.

Ya but what if i want to play on Series X? Will it not count as playing game on Series X?

 

[The Shepard]

Most exciting time to be an xbox owner since the early 360 days, got some pretty great studios under there belt now.

 

[Zok310]

Played 3 games from the various studios on this list in 38 years.
Yeah im that pathetic.

 

[R6Rider]

Ya but what if i want to play on Series X? Will it not count as playing game on Series X?

Everyone knows the Xbox and lack of games argument refers to exclusives. No amount of mental gymnastics you're trying to pull off changes that.

 

[Riky]

Really hoping The Initiative are working on Perfect Dark.

 

[OmegaSupreme]

Really hoping The Initiative are working on Perfect Dark.

Perfect dark on the 64 was so good. I'd love a proper follow up. Let's not think about zero

 

[Silent Viper]

Everyone knows the Xbox and lack of games argument refers to exclusives. No amount of mental gymnastics you're trying to pull off changes that.

I don't. Games are games. I don't believe in dumb Fanboy theories. And there are no console exclusives for seriesX this year? Are you sure? Have you done your research? Just coz you don't like games then they not exclusives?

 

[CatLady]

Playground is also working on Forza Horizon 5, there are two seperate studios under the Playground brand now.

Also Ninja Theory is also working on Project Mara

 

[Muddy]

But I thought Xbox has no games

Well it still doesn't at this moment in time.

 

[KyoZz]

Playground is also working on Forza Horizon 5, there are two seperate studios under the Playground brand now.

Also Ninja Theory is also working on Project Mara

Thx, edited.

 

[Rhazer Fusion]

But I thought Xbox has no games

When will we see these games though and how do we know they will all be good? The only thing with next generation is, there is going to be a lot of waiting and hoping and this applies to both sides.

 

[R6Rider]

So 22 Listed Studios which is quite impressive. But about the games and release dates (and being generous):

Hellblade 2 = 2021 ?
Halo Infinite = 2021
Forza Motorsport = 2021 most likely
Compulsion Games Unknown Title = ??
Avowed = Most likely 2022/2023
Grounded = In Early Access, Most likely 2021
Fable = Still years off, 2022 most likely
Everwild = Late 2021 or Early 2022 is likely
The Initiative Unknown Title = ??
State of Decay 3 = 2021 at the earliest, most likely 2022
Age of Empires 4 = Maybe late 2021?
Forza Horzion 5 = Most likely 2022
Project Mara = ??
Starfield = 2021 at earliest, most likely 2022
Elder Scrolls VI = 2024/2025 at earliest

 

[pr0cs]

Fantastic work OP, thanks!

 

[Coolwhhip]

Well it still doesn't at this moment in time.

And it might in the future. But during the entire Xbone era those hopes, dreams and promises never amounted to anything. So why would it this time?

 

[Muddy]

And it might in the future. But during the entire Xbone era those hopes, dreams and promises never amounted to anything. So why would it this time?

Absolutely. Theres not a single studio on that list which makes me say I need an Xbox.

Not one studio on that list has produced anything close to what Nintendo and Sony First parties have.

Obviously if the Sega acquisition is true then things change because Atlus is owned by Sega.

Absolutely love Persona.

 

[Compsiox]

Will Alpha Dog still make mobile games? I've gotta wonder. I know we get the rare mobile title from Microsoft like the gears pop game and the forza mobile game.

 

[quest]

And it might in the future. But during the entire Xbone era those hopes, dreams and promises never amounted to anything. So why would it this time?

There is actually studios working on games this time and studios with solid track records. Last generation there was hardly any studios working on stuff. We have a list of games being worked on it looks solid as hell with a few potentially homeruns like avowed and starfield.

 

[Max_Po]

I think this, that majority of games are atleast 3 to 4 year away.

 

[LucidFlux]

Damn that's an impressive list when it's laid out like this. It's a shame all these projects are so far out. Hopefully Xbox's next show will stamp dates on some of these.

 

[gtrwll]

I have no reason to buy either console at launch, but getting an Xbox sometime in the near future is looking more and more probable.

 

[Alebrije]

Those studios need to deliver , at this moment Microsoft does no has an IP like God of War, TLOU, Uncharted. Bloodborne, etc.

That is why an Xbox X has low value now, better wait 2-3 years to see what games MS has.

 

[CatLady]

Nothing. We're back to 'in a couple of years'

At Launch
Gears Tactics
Dirt 5
Yakuza Like a Dragon
Tetris Effect
Destiny 2 Beyond Light
Cyberpunk
Watchdogs Legion
AC Valhalla

Before the end of the Year
The Ascent
CrossfireX
The Medium
Cod Blops Cold War
Outriders

 

[The Scrivener]

A game studio from 2018 is "currently working on an unannounced game".

Day 1 for me.

 

[Orky]

I've never heard of Cuberpunk 2077. You can play Cyberpunk 2077 on PS5 and PC though.

What new PS5 game, that has a release date and isn’t free, can you only play on PS5, except ratchet and clank?

 

[Njocky]

Well it still doesn't at this moment in time.

Why is the game pass app notifying me to download Gears tactics then?

 

[Muddy]

Why is the game pass app notifying me to download Gears tactics then?

Have you downloaded it?

 

[BusierDonkey]

So 22 Listed Studios which is quite impressive. But about the games and release dates (and being generous):

Hellblade 2 = 2021 ?
Halo Infinite = 2021
Forza Motorsport = 2021 most likely
Compulsion Games Unknown Title = ??
Avowed = Most likely 2022/2023
Grounded = In Early Access, Most likely 2021
Fable = Still years off, 2022 most likely
Everwild = Late 2021 or Early 2022 is likely
The Initiative Unknown Title = ??
State of Decay 3 = 2021 at the earliest, most likely 2022
Age of Empires 4 = Maybe late 2021?
Forza Horzion 5 = Most likely 2022
Project Mara = ??
Starfield = 2021 at earliest, most likely 2022
Elder Scrolls VI = 2024/2025 at earliest

Forza Horizon 5 started when Playground finished Horizon 4, and it's been two years since then which is usually how long they take to make a new Horizon. They update Horizon 4, but all the major updates are long past. The new Fable studio is entirely separate and wouldn't have affected development of Horizon 5 so I expect to see it next fall. I think we'll see Horizon 5 before Forza Motorport, which is still said to be early in development.

 

[Njocky]

Have you downloaded it?

Not yet because Destiny 2 and all it’s expansions was already downloading but it’s been queued.

 

[Represent.]

At Launch
Gears Tactics
Dirt 5
Yakuza Like a Dragon
Tetris Effect
Destiny 2 Beyond Light
Cyberpunk
Watchdogs Legion
AC Valhalla

Before the end of the Year
The Ascent
CrossfireX
The Medium
Cod Blops Cold War
Outriders

Thats a whole lot of multiplats come on breh

Vs

Spiderman MM
God of War 2
Horizon 2
Demon Souls
Death Loop
Death Wire Tokyo
Ratchet and Clank
Final Fantasy 16

plus all the same multiplats


PS5 year 1 is undeniably better. We'll see where it goes from there but my money is on Sony

 

[JLB]

So 22 Listed Studios which is quite impressive. But about the games and release dates (and being generous):

Hellblade 2 = 2021 ?
Halo Infinite = 2021
Forza Motorsport = 2021 most likely
Compulsion Games Unknown Title = ??
Avowed = Most likely 2022/2023
Grounded = In Early Access, Most likely 2021
Fable = Still years off, 2022 most likely
Everwild = Late 2021 or Early 2022 is likely
The Initiative Unknown Title = ??
State of Decay 3 = 2021 at the earliest, most likely 2022
Age of Empires 4 = Maybe late 2021?
Forza Horzion 5 = Most likely 2022
Project Mara = ??
Starfield = 2021 at earliest, most likely 2022
Elder Scrolls VI = 2024/2025 at earliest

if your estimates are correct, that means 8 games on 2021. One game every 45 days.

 

[Drunkensamurai]

But I thought Xbox has no games

They still don't lol. Talk to me in a few years.

 

[The Leaked Truths]

Really hoping The Initiative are working on Perfect Dark.

And someone needs to make a new Killer Instinct

 

[OmegaSupreme]

What new PS5 game, that has a release date and isn’t free, can you only play on PS5, except ratchet and clank?

Represent. Answered that for you.

 

[Hendrick's]

I can't believe they went from like 6 studios to over 20 in such a short period of time. Truly epic.

 

[digoutyoursoul]

The Falconeer is a launch title also

 

[Vasto]

At Launch
Gears Tactics
Dirt 5
Yakuza Like a Dragon
Tetris Effect
Destiny 2 Beyond Light
Cyberpunk
Watchdogs Legion
AC Valhalla

Before the end of the Year
The Ascent
CrossfireX
The Medium
Cod Blops Cold War
Outriders

All that in 2020 + we have Game Pass.


Lets not forget that Inxile is working on a new AAA RPG.

First-Party Xbox Dev inXile Confirms It's Working On An "Ambitious" RPG

Bring on next-gen!

www.purexbox.com