HomeWinBuzzer NewsMicrosoft Reveals Purchase of Obsidian and inXile to Boost Xbox One Exclusive...

Microsoft Reveals Purchase of Obsidian and inXile to Boost Xbox One Exclusive Titles

Microsoft is continuing to bolster its Xbox One exclusives and has announced the acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment.

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Last week, we discussed a surprise Microsoft was touting for its in-house XO18 Xbox event. At the Mexico City conference this weekend, the company announced it is acquiring Obsidian Entertainment. That deal has been rumored for some time, but also dropped a surprise by revealing it is also buying inXile Entertainment.

By snapping up the two game-developers, Microsoft is furthering its push to bolster its own gaming studios. The company has repeatedly said the Xbox brand will rely on exclusive titles to differentiate in the future.

As for Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment, Microsoft's involvement is a well-timed intervention.

Obsidian is a noted role-playing game (RPG) developer that has created games such as Fallout: New Vegas and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic 2. The company has been struggling to keep its head above water in recent time. Interestingly, Microsoft played a part in Obsidian's bad fortune as it cancelled the Xbox One launch title Stormlands.

Similarly, inXile has also been struggling to stay afloat, relying on crowdfunding to get titles like Wasteland 2 over the line. That was six years ago and since then the company's titles like The Bard's Tale 4 have come and gone with barely a whisper.

Securing Futures

So, at the core of this deal, Microsoft is basically ensuring Obsidian and inXile continue to exist. Well, at least the development teams as it is unclear if the companies will be folded into other brands.

Speaking to Eurogamer, Microsoft said of Obsidian: “As one of the industry's premiere RPG developers, we couldn't be more excited about the opportunity to add their expertise to Microsoft Studios, while enabling the studio to preserve its unique culture and build on its talent and vision to fully realize their creative ambitions.”

Microsoft said of inXile: “As part of Microsoft Studios, inXile will have the support and freedom to fully realize its creative ambitions on both existing franchises and new projects. The studio will continue to operate autonomously and bring its unique talents, IP and expertise to Microsoft Studios as they build new RPG experiences for our players and fans.”

SourceEurogamer
Luke Jones
Luke Jones
Luke has been writing about all things tech for more than five years. He is following Microsoft closely to bring you the latest news about Windows, Office, Azure, Skype, HoloLens and all the rest of their products.

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