Xbox Game Studios might be expanding its repertoire of developers by adding IO Interactive, Avalanche, and Crytek. Microsoft’s gaming division already landed a major win this year by purchasing Bethesda Softworks, gaining exclusive rights to big properties like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, and the upcoming sci-fi RPG Starfield.
If rumors are to be believed, Xbox Game Studios isn't finished adding talented companies to his ever-growing roster just yet, though not every whispering has played out. Last year, it was suggested that Xbox was looking to acquire the then-said-to-be for sale Warner Games in the wake of the AT&T buyout and subsequent selling of WB’s assets, but this turned out not to be the case. More recently, word began spreading that Sega is for sale and that Xbox is one of the parties interested in gaining the rights to Sonic The Hedgehog and Persona, but this is merely conjecture.
However, a more concrete rumor suggests that Xbox Game Studios is adding Hitman developer IO Interactive, Just Cause’s Avalanche Studios, and Crytek of Crysis fame, as reported by Sportskeeda yesterday. Noteworthy podcaster and rumor sleuth Colteastwood, who has made accurate predictions about Microsoft in the past, recently posted a cryptic message on Twitter reading “26 is the new 23” – a reference to Xbox Game Studios adding three more companies to the 23 it already has under its umbrella. Meanwhile, reporter Jeff Grub discussed the rumors of Xbox acquiring these three new studios on his Game Mess video series on YouTube just a few days ago, which can be seen below:
If Microsoft is indeed acquiring three new studios, it may make an official announcement of this during Xbox’s showcase at E3 later today. While certain news developments - such as Yakuza: Like A Dragon being added to Xbox Game Pass - have already been leaked ahead of time, Xbox still has a few surprises in store for viewers, with the most likely titles to be featured today being Halo Infinite, Starfield, and maybe even the rumored The Elder Scrolls 6.
Xbox Game Studios already has an impressive roster of IP under its belt thanks to Bethesda, and the additions of franchises by IO Interactive, Avalanche Studios, and Crytek will certainly give Microsoft an edge in its ongoing competition with PlayStation and Nintendo. Everything mentioned here is still just speculation at this point, so players should stay tuned for new developments as they unfold.
Source: Sportskeeda, Colteastwood (via Twitter), YouTube