To begin, I must admit that the very recent announcement that Xbox One exclusive The Phantom Dust would no longer be under development by Darkside games, has left a sour taste in my mouth. Whilst not a studio owned by Microsoft, this announcement does seem representative of the general incompetence and worrying trend of shadiness being practised by Microsoft Studios.
Microsoft Announce Victoria Studio, close them after two years of no output.
Many suspected that this studio would be a key player for the current generation with regards to delivering new intellectual content to bolster Microsofts weak portfolio. After two years of absolutely nothing, the studio was subsequently closed. Losing Microsoft a potential development team.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/12/05/microsoft-to-close-victoria-office
Microsoft Announce An Exciting new IP from Microsoft Vancouver, turns into Gears of War.
The sister company of Microsoft Victoria, Microsoft Vancouver (now Black Tusk) were announced as a studio which would be delivering the next big Microsoft IP. One with the scope and impact which was set to rival the Halo franchise. After a flashy new trailer at E3 2013, after a long period of nothing, it was soon revealed that this relatively small team of roughly one hundred people would now be scrapping their new intellectual property and subsequently become the Gears of War equivalent of 343i for an undetermined period of time.
Microsoft have not commented on the fate of the original IP, nor have they yet showed gameplay footage of the new Gears title.
http://www.pcgamer.com/microsofts-new-black-tusk-studios-headed-by-ex-ea-devs-looking-to-make-the-next-halo/
343i Promise a Tall Order for Halo: TMCC Game is broken.
Im sure Gaf members have heard enough with regards to the state of this game. However it can be considered extremely concerning that Microsofts flagship IP is capable of being released in an unworkable state. This title was bigged up by Microsoft as a return to form for an IP which took a savage decline in popularity with its previous instalment Halo 4 featuring both a decline in sales and user popularity.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-03-microsoft-if-halo-falters-so-does-xbox
Microsoft Announce a new Crackdown No gameplay, no mention of studio.
Microsoft last E3 announced a new Crackdown title coming to the Xbox One. The IP looked in dire condition with the respective failures of both Realtime Worlds and Ruffian. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find that this IP would find new life, yet we do not know who yet with. To fit the trend of Microsoft over promising and under delivering, one has to wonder whether this new titles development is even remotely on the table. Or whether in a similar situation to Black Tusks new IP, or The Phantom Dust Whether we may see some unfortunate development issues somewhere down the line.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-17-dont-call-crackdown-on-xbox-one-crackdown-3
How do you all feel about the practises of Microsoft Studios?
Microsoft Announce Victoria Studio, close them after two years of no output.
Many suspected that this studio would be a key player for the current generation with regards to delivering new intellectual content to bolster Microsofts weak portfolio. After two years of absolutely nothing, the studio was subsequently closed. Losing Microsoft a potential development team.
http://uk.ign.com/articles/2013/12/05/microsoft-to-close-victoria-office
Microsoft Announce An Exciting new IP from Microsoft Vancouver, turns into Gears of War.
The sister company of Microsoft Victoria, Microsoft Vancouver (now Black Tusk) were announced as a studio which would be delivering the next big Microsoft IP. One with the scope and impact which was set to rival the Halo franchise. After a flashy new trailer at E3 2013, after a long period of nothing, it was soon revealed that this relatively small team of roughly one hundred people would now be scrapping their new intellectual property and subsequently become the Gears of War equivalent of 343i for an undetermined period of time.
Microsoft have not commented on the fate of the original IP, nor have they yet showed gameplay footage of the new Gears title.
http://www.pcgamer.com/microsofts-new-black-tusk-studios-headed-by-ex-ea-devs-looking-to-make-the-next-halo/
343i Promise a Tall Order for Halo: TMCC Game is broken.
Im sure Gaf members have heard enough with regards to the state of this game. However it can be considered extremely concerning that Microsofts flagship IP is capable of being released in an unworkable state. This title was bigged up by Microsoft as a return to form for an IP which took a savage decline in popularity with its previous instalment Halo 4 featuring both a decline in sales and user popularity.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-08-03-microsoft-if-halo-falters-so-does-xbox
Microsoft Announce a new Crackdown No gameplay, no mention of studio.
Microsoft last E3 announced a new Crackdown title coming to the Xbox One. The IP looked in dire condition with the respective failures of both Realtime Worlds and Ruffian. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to find that this IP would find new life, yet we do not know who yet with. To fit the trend of Microsoft over promising and under delivering, one has to wonder whether this new titles development is even remotely on the table. Or whether in a similar situation to Black Tusks new IP, or The Phantom Dust Whether we may see some unfortunate development issues somewhere down the line.
http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-06-17-dont-call-crackdown-on-xbox-one-crackdown-3
How do you all feel about the practises of Microsoft Studios?