Microsoft originally started their businesses as a software company and has made quite a fortune out of it. However, the software is not their only source of income as Microsoft is heavily invested in the gaming scene and owns the Xbox ecosystem which generates over $16.22B in annual revenue.
To maintain this cash flow, Microsoft routinely acquires gaming companies and then shifts its focus to creating Xbox exclusive games. Microsoft recently announced one such deal to acquire Activision Blizzard for a whopping 68.7 billion dollars. However, the deal is not expected to go through till June 2023, this begs the question, what gaming companies does Microsoft own?
This information can be really handy If you are a candidate looking to work in a company that is administered by Microsoft or a sourcer looking to get your footing in a large company. So, without wasting any time, let’s get started.
Also read: Gaming companies in the bay area
All gaming companies owned by Microsoft in 2023
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Arkane Studios
- Double Fine Productions
- The Coalition
- The Initiative
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Mojang Studios
- ZeniMax Online
- Playground Games
- Alpha Dog Games
- Rare
- MachineGames
- Tango Gameworks
- World’s Edge
- Turn 10 Studios
- Compulsion Games
- 343 Industries
- Undead Labs
- Ninja Theory
- Inxile Entertainment
- Roundhouse Studios
- id Software
- Xbox Games Studios Publishing
Obsidian Entertainment
Acquired in: 2018
Obsidian Entertainment is a premier role-playing game studio that was acquired by Microsoft in 2018. Obsidian Entertainment has a long history of creating high-quality RPG games and experts believe that the acquisition will likely prompt the company to create Xbox-exclusive games only. According to reports, the company is currently working on new titles like the Avowed (Xbox Series X) and The Outer Worlds 2 (Xbox Series X) which is reinforced by the massive hiring the company has listed on their website.
Arkane Studios
Acquired in: 2021
Microsoft was quick to take note of Deathloop, a PS5 exclusive game that is the biggest competitor of the Xbox series. The company then proceeded to acquire Arkane Studios for US$7.5 billion and shifted its focus to creating Xbox Series X exclusive games. Arkane Studios is currently working on Redfall, which is scheduled to be released in 2024 as an Xbox exclusive. The company is also working on several other projects under the hood and is actively hiring which is reflected in the job posting on its website.
Double Fine Productions
Acquired in: 2019
Double Fine Productions is popular in the gaming community and have created several cult-classics which are well-received by the fans. Microsoft acquired the company in 2019 and since then the company released Psychonauts 2 on multiple platforms. However, it is not entirely clear what the company is currently working on, but they have several open positions which may be worth checking out.
The Coalition
Acquired in: 2010
The Gears of War franchise has been Microsoft’s biggest Xbox console exclusive, dominating the early 2000s. Microsoft bought the exclusive rights of the franchise from Epic Games in 2014 and tasked The Coalition team to lead the scope of the series forward. Since then we saw several releases from The Coalition team with Gears 5 being their latest installment in the series. Although it is unclear what the company has in stock, there are several openings that lead us to believe that there is something big on the horizon.
The Initiative
Acquired in: 2018
The Initiative is a new gaming company that has yet to release any substantial titles in the market. But many think the company will be dubbed as the future of Xbox gaming given the long list of talents that are associated with the company. So, if you want to be a part of this exciting team, check out the job listing by Microsoft themself.
Bethesda Game Studios
Acquired in: 2021
Bethesda Game Studios is one of the most successful and influential gaming companies which has produced many AAA titles including games like Fallout which revamped the entire survival gaming genre. Microsoft acquired the company in 2021 for a total sum of 7.5 Billion dollars. The company is currently working on Starfield, a survival role-playing game that is expected to be released in late 2023. Bethesda Game Studios is actively hiring to help propagate its team. You can find all the latest information about their job posting by clicking on this link.
Mojang Studios
Acquired in: 2014
Mojang Studios is the creator of Minecraft, a block-based open-world game that has over 140 million active players and has generated over 400 million in revenue. Microsoft acquired the company back in 2014 and it remains one of the most profitable acquisitions for Microsoft in the gaming genre.
Although the company is focused on Minecraft only, the game universe in Minecraft is constantly upgrading and new elements are always being added to the game. So, it’s no surprise that Mojang Studios is actively hiring in both their offices in Europe and the USA.
ZeniMax Online
Acquired in: 2021
We discussed Bethesda game studio and how they pioneered the survival gaming genre. ZeniMax Online is one of their subsidiaries that manage the online part of these games. ZeniMax Online provides support and develops new features to enhance the overall experience of the players. This continuous development requires active participation from the developers which is reflected by the continuous hiring.
Playground Games
Acquired in: 2018
The recently released Forza Horizon 5 has been an instant hit, thanks largely to the realistic graphics and outstanding game mechanics. Playground Games was given the responsibility for the completion of the game and the company was acquired by Microsoft to get its footing in the racing genre. The studio is secretive to disclose what it is currently working on, but it is confirmed that Playground gaming is currently working on Xbox exclusive RPG – Fable, and therefore continuously hiring to meet deadlines.
Alpha Dog Games
Acquired in: 2021
Although Microsoft’s windows mobile division wasn’t their most successful venture, the company is still eyeing on mobile gaming with the acquisition of Alpha Dog Games. The acquisition took place in 2021, however, we are yet to see any major release from the company. But it is rumored that Microsoft is looking to bring their Age of Empire series as a mobile version so it is not unlikely that the company may be working under the hood on that project.
Rare
Acquired in: 2022
Rare gaming has a rich history of making some of the best games in Viva Pinata theology and has long been a fan favorite. The company is currently working on Everwild and other multiplayer games. You can find a lot of opportunities in the company and there are regular job postings that you can check.
MachineGames
Acquired in: 2021
MachineGames is responsible for creating the Wolfenstein series of games starting with Wolfenstein: The New Order in 2014 and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus in 2017. Microsoft took notice of its success and opted to acquire the company in 2021. Since then MachineGames has been working on Indiana Jones games which are expected to be released later this year. Given Indiana Jones has been in development for some years now, it is likely to be a AAA title and it’s no surprise that the company is aggressively hiring to meet deadlines.
Tango Gameworks
Acquired in: 2021
Tango Gameworks is a company that has created classic games like Resident Evil and Dino Crisis. The company specializes in a niche segment of psychological horror games which has been proven to be a successful business strategy. The company was acquired by Microsoft in 2021 and the company is allegedly working on Ghostwire Tokyo, an Xbox exclusive, scheduled to be released in 2023. Tango Gameworks is based in Japan and is currently recruiting for its Tokyo office.
World’s Edge
Acquired in: 2019
World’s Edge is responsible for the Age of Empire series 4, which is one of the most anticipated games in recent history. The company did not directly develop the game, however, they ensure that Relic Entertainment and Forgotten Empires, the two external companies responsible for the development, are aligned together. World’s Edge currently has around 200 employees and the team is constantly growing, which is reflected by the job posting of the company.
Turn 10 Studios
Acquired in: 2001
Turn 10 studio is well known for the Forza franchise, which many fans dubbed as one of the most visually appealing games in recent history. Miraculous attention to detail and innovation fuels TURN 10 studio which has grown over the years into a company that attracts game developers and artists all around the world. Turn10 studio currently has several open options and you can learn more about all the perks of working in the company directly from their website.
Compulsion Games
Acquired in: 2018
Compulsion Games is a bit of a mystery when it comes to their major releases. To date, the company has released two games, Contrast in 2013 and we are happy in 2018. The company was then acquired by Microsoft and we haven’t seen any major releases since then. Compulsion games currently have no open positions however, we have seen occasional hiring from the company so it is worth checking out their website.
343 Industries
Acquired in: 2007
Since its inception in 2009, 343 Industries has been the torchbearer of the iconic Halo franchise. It is a subsidiary of Xbox Game Studios and has successfully carried forward the legacy of the beloved science fiction universe. 343 industries are currently working on campaign expansions and creating additional content for the Halo series of games.
Undead Labs
Acquired in: 2018
Undead labs specialize in the zombie survival genre of games and Microsoft acquired the company in 2018 after its success in the State of Decay in 2013. The company is currently working on State of Decay 3 which is expected to be an Xbox exclusive and is scheduled to be released in 2024/25. The game is still early in its development and to meet demand, Undead Labs is continuously hiring for many new positions.
Ninja Theory
Acquired in: 2018
Most gamers will be familiar with the Devil May Cry franchise and the reputation it built among gamers with its state-of-the-art motion graphics. Ninja Theory is the company that was responsible for the development of the game and Microsoft quickly took note and acquired the company after much negotiation in 2018. Currently, the studio is working on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 and Project: Mara, two Xbox-exclusive games which are expected to be released in the last quarter of 2023. Currently, Ninja Theory does not have any openings, but given they are in the midst of developing two AAA titles, it may be worth checking out their career page from time to time.
Inxile Entertainment
Acquired in: 2018
Inxile Entertainment is yet another acquisition by Microsoft in 2018. The studio is responsible for the moderately popular Tides of Numenera game, however, it broke all records when it released Wasteland 3 under Microsoft’s banner. Although it is unclear what the studio is currently working on, with the aggressive job posting in the animation department we have high hopes for what’s in store in the future.
Roundhouse Studios
Acquired in: 2021
Roundhouse Studios is a tram card that Microsoft chooses to keep under the shed, at least for now. The company has been responsible for helping other game studios under Microsoft’s umbrella to meet their deadlines. However, it is unclear what Roundhouse Studios is currently working on. But given they always have 5-10 job postings at any given time, whatever they are currently working on, has to be something big.
id Software
Acquired in: 2020
It does not go any bigger than this. Id software is one of the oldest and most influential companies in Microsoft’s portfolio. They are the ones who created the genre of first-person shooter with titles like Wolfenstein 3D in 1992, Doom in 1993, and Quake in 1996. Id software does know a thing or two about creating iconic games, but they are dormant for a few years with no major indication of what they are currently cooking. But it is safe to say, whatever they are currently developing is going to be huge.
Xbox Games Studios Publishing
Acquired in: 2000
As the name suggests, Xbox games studio is primarily focused on creating games that are exclusive to the Xbox console. The studio also ports other games and optimizes them for the Xbox ecosystem. They have also been working closely with other Microsoft-owned studios in helping them meet deadlines.
Conclusion
Gaming has always been one of Microsoft’s biggest sources of revenue and the company has allegedly made over 16.23 billion in revenue from gaming in 2022 alone. This figure is constantly rising and therefore makes perfect sense for Microsoft to acquire promising gaming companies to help propagate their market share. The list above gives a brief overview of all the gaming companies that Microsoft owns. But new companies are being acquired all the time, so we will try our best to update the list accordingly. If you have any other questions feel free to contact us by clicking here.
