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Microsoft’s Xbox exclusives push continues with new studio acquisitions

Microsoft’s Xbox exclusives push continues with new studio acquisitions

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The next generation console war is coming

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Microsoft is continuing its push to create more exclusive titles for Xbox One. Earlier this year the software maker announced that five new studios would be joining Microsoft Studios, and now there’s more. Microsoft is acquiring inXile Entertainment and Obsidian Entertainment. Based in California, inXile was formed by Brian Fargo and now primarily develops RPG games like Wasteland 2.

Also based in California, Obsidian Entertainment is known for games like Fallout: New Vegas, South Park: The Stick of Truth, and the Pillars of Eternity series. Both studios are a solid way to fill an RPG gap that has existed on Xbox, and help Microsoft create more exclusive titles for the Xbox.

Both new teams will operate separately

“While they do share a common heritage, the two creative teams at Obsidian and inXile are very different,” explains Matt Booty, head of Xbox games. They will continue to operate autonomously with their unique talents, IP and expertise. As part of Microsoft Studios, Obsidian and inXile will have the support and freedom to fully realize their creative ambitions on both existing franchises and new RPG projects.”

These new studios join The Initiative, Undead Labs, Playground Games, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games as part of Microsoft Studios. Microsoft now has a total of 13 game development teams. They’re now all part of a bigger push towards the first-party titles that the Xbox One has been lacking against Sony’s PlayStation 4. It should set Microsoft up for a far more interesting battle with Sony, Nintendo, and others for the next generation of games consoles expected to arrive in 2020.