What Games Does Microsoft Now Own?
Microsoft has made significant strides in the gaming industry by acquiring various game development studios and publishing rights to numerous popular titles. With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has expanded its gaming portfolio, now owning some of the most iconic and beloved games in the industry. In this article, we’ll delve into the games that Microsoft now owns, covering the biggest franchises, game studios, and notable titles.
Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, a leading video game publisher and developer, has significantly expanded its gaming portfolio. The deal, worth $68.7 billion, has brought some of the most popular franchises under Microsoft’s umbrella, including:
• Call of Duty: A first-person shooter franchise with over 300 million copies sold worldwide.
• Overwatch: A team-based first-person shooter with a strong esports presence.
• Diablo: An action role-playing game franchise with a dedicated fan base.
• Warcraft: A real-time strategy franchise with a massive following.
• Starcraft: A real-time strategy franchise with a strong competitive scene.
• Guitar Hero: A music rhythm game franchise with a long history.
• Crash Bandicoot: A platformer franchise with a beloved character.
• Spyro: A platformer franchise with a loyal fan base.
Xbox Game Studios
Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios is responsible for developing and publishing various games, including:
• Gears of War: A third-person shooter franchise with a strong competitive scene.
• Forza: A racing game franchise with a dedicated fan base.
• Halo: A first-person shooter franchise with a massive following.
• Minecraft: A sandbox game with over 200 million registered players.
• Age of Empires: A real-time strategy franchise with a dedicated fan base.
Other Notable Titles
Microsoft also owns the rights to other notable titles, including:
• DOOM: A first-person shooter franchise with a strong competitive scene.
• The Elder Scrolls: An action role-playing game franchise with a massive following.
• Fallout: A post-apocalyptic role-playing game franchise with a dedicated fan base.
• Microsoft Solitaire: A classic card game franchise with a loyal fan base.
• Microsoft Flight Simulator: A flight simulation game with a dedicated fan base.
Table: Microsoft’s Gaming Portfolio
| Franchise | Genre | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty | First-person shooter | Popular franchise with over 300 million copies sold worldwide |
| Overwatch | Team-based first-person shooter | Strong esports presence |
| Diablo | Action role-playing game | Dedicated fan base |
| Warcraft | Real-time strategy | Massive following |
| Starcraft | Real-time strategy | Strong competitive scene |
| Guitar Hero | Music rhythm game | Long history |
| Crash Bandicoot | Platformer | Beloved character |
| Spyro | Platformer | Loyal fan base |
| Gears of War | Third-person shooter | Strong competitive scene |
| Forza | Racing game | Dedicated fan base |
| Halo | First-person shooter | Massive following |
| Minecraft | Sandbox | Over 200 million registered players |
| Age of Empires | Real-time strategy | Dedicated fan base |
| DOOM | First-person shooter | Strong competitive scene |
| The Elder Scrolls | Action role-playing game | Massive following |
| Fallout | Post-apocalyptic role-playing game | Dedicated fan base |
| Microsoft Solitaire | Card game | Classic franchise |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | Flight simulation | Dedicated fan base |
Conclusion
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and its existing gaming portfolio have significantly expanded its presence in the gaming industry. With a diverse range of franchises and titles, Microsoft now owns some of the most popular and beloved games in the industry. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Microsoft’s gaming portfolio is well-positioned to continue delivering exciting experiences to gamers worldwide.