Become a member

Get the best offers and updates relating to Liberty Case News.

― Advertisement ―

spot_img

Does Microsoft Own EA? Game Studio Showdown

Their recent successes in video games have got many fans wondering, does Microsoft own EA? EA and Microsoft are two of the biggest names in the gaming world, and they have both developed some fantastic games. 

Naturally, people wonder about their relationship. This article will show how EA Sports and Microsoft relate and whether one is a subsidiary. 

We will view both platforms in detail to see some of the biggest titles they came up with and what they own. Let us get into the details and find out more;

Does Microsoft Own EA?

Microsoft does not own EA Sports, and they are big competitors in gaming. EA is an independent gaming company that has created many games for mobile phones, PCs, Xbox, and PlayStation. 

EA Sports has made its name with titles like Need for Speed and FIFA, while Microsoft has Halo and Minecraft. The companies often collaborate to create apps that work on Xbox, a Microsoft console. 

What Is EA? 

EA is one of the biggest names for those who love video games. Their logos are common in games from PCs and consoles to mobile, and it has become a quality standard for most people. So, what is EA?

Electronic Arts Inc., more famously known as EA Sports, is an American video game company headquartered in Redwood City, California. The company was started in 1982 by an Apple employee called Trip Hawkins.

It was a pioneer of the early days of computer gaming, and it promoted the programmers responsible for its products. 

They created a series of games and productivity software that created a foundation for them as one of the best software companies at the time.

The company used external individuals to create their games until 1987 when they launched “Skate or Die.” From 1987, they shifted toward internal game studios mostly through acquisitions, and they would grow to become EZ Canada in 1991.

They made more acquisitions, such as Distinctive Software, and kept improving their technology and developing new games. 

They took advantage of the boom in computer usage and improved graphics technology to create some of their biggest titles.

They currently have a collection of hundreds of unique games and franchises that have made them into the giant they are. 

These include Battlefield, Mass Effect, NBA Live, Medal of Honor, Need for Speed, Apex Legends, FIFA, Dragon Age, Army of Two, and many more.

They sell their games on their website and through online gaming digital distributors like Origin, Steam, and Epic Games store. Part of their success is owning big-time gaming studios like Motive Studio, DICE, Respawn Entertainment, and BioWare.

There have been rumors of Microsoft acquiring Electronic Arts, but they are just that. EA seems to be doing well as an independent company, selling their games better than Microsoft’s on Xbox.

Many experts believe that a merger with Microsoft would boost EA sales, but as of 2023, EA is still independent and has some fantastic games coming out. 

What Gaming Studios Does Microsoft Own?

Microsoft has made it into many areas of the tech world because of well-targeted acquisitions. Gaming wasn’t different; they acquired several studios and invested in them to create games that generated bigger profits. So, what are their most significant studio acquisitions?

1. Mojang 

Microsoft completed this huge acquisition in 2014 when it got Mojang for $2.5billion. Mojang is the studio behind Minecraft, one of the most successful IPs ever. It was a well-crafted game with millions of users and offered good replayability.

One of the most essential tenets of the acquisition was that Microsoft allowed Mojang to keep its freedom and autonomy over its IP. This became a core principle of Microsoft’s future acquisitions. 

Minecraft got several upgrades and spin-offs, like Minecraft Dungeons, which further improved the game’s popularity and timelessness. The Next product is Minecraft Legends, which will be released in 2023. 

2. 343 Industries

343 Industries was founded in 2007 and was responsible for creating Halo 5: Guardians for Xbox One in 2015 and Halo Infinite for Xbox Series X in 2021. The studio is currently working on a live service for Halo Infinite.

The studio has been focused on Halo and the game’s expansion, which was a hit among Xbox players. There was even a TV series about the game, and it got a lot of attention, further showing 343 Industries’ value to Microsoft. 

3. Alpha Dog Games

Alpha Dog Games is a software studio that seems more focused on creating iOS games based on their biggest hits, Wraithborne of 2012 and MonstroCity Rampage of 2017. Both games were primarily iOS-oriented, and Microsoft acquired it in 2021.

Alpha Dog Games is a mobile-focused developer acquired indirectly through Bethesda in late 2019. The acquisition supported Bethesda’s growing interest in the Android and iOS market.

Alpha Dog will continue working behind the scenes primarily because of Microsoft’s mobile and cloud gaming investment.

4. Arkane Studios 

In case you are unfamiliar, Arkane Studios is responsible for 2017’s Prey, 2012’s Dishonored, 2022’s Deathloop and 2023’s Redfall. Arkane Studios is famous for creating complex and immersive simulations.

They create experiences that add a reactive sense of choice and consequences to the correct player actions, which fans love. Their last release, Deathloop, is a timed exclusive for PS5, but the studios are creating the Xbox Series X port.

5. Bethseda Game Studios

Microsoft acquired Bethesda Game Studios in 2021 and added one of the most prominent and influential companies to its arsenal. Bethesda Game Studios is responsible for famous titles like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, both successful franchises.

Microsoft also acquired ZeniMax Media’s publishing wing and added it to its production team. Bethesda Games will continue as you traditionally knew them, with semi-autonomous control over their projects.

The additional Microsoft resources have allowed Bethesda Games to create more ambitious games like 2023’s Starfield.

6. Compulsion Games

This relatively old game studio was founded in 2009 but has not done too many projects. Compulsion Games has released only two games in the last decade: 2018’s We Happy Few and 2013’s Contrast.

The games were complete opposites in genre and theme, but they had a similar and undeniable sense of style that made them famous. Compulsion Games is working on a new adventure game set in South America, South of Midnight.

The details about the game are still few, but with Compulsion Games’ reputation and Microsoft’s resources, fans expect a phenomenon. 

7. Double Fine Production

Some of the biggest titles from Double Fine Production include Brutal Legend, which launched for PS 3 and Xbox 360 in 2009, and Psychonauts 2 in 2021. It has created a reputation for making cult classics, which have grown popular.

Double Fine Productions has been making games since they launched in 2000. They have always wanted to give their fans a window into weird and wonderful worlds.

The studio is yet to announce their next project, but their latest release, Psychonauts 2, was well received by fans and created a sound basis for their next project.

8. ID Software

ID Software is the studio behind the Doom series, Doom Eternal in 2020 and Doom in 2016, and it is a legendary gaming company. The company has had significant successes, such as Doom in 1993 and Quake in 1996.

They practically created the first-person shooter with Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 and are known for having the best shotgun in the industry. They have a good reputation despite having only two games out, but they have a bright future in the industry.

9. Inxile Entertainment

Inxile Entertainment made its break in the gaming world with Tides of Numenera in 2017 and Wasteland 3 in 2020. They specialize in C-RPGs, and their founder was the executive producer for the original Fallout. 

Inxile Entertainment is currently working on a new AAA RPG, Clockwork Revolution. The first-person action game features a unique world and a striking visual style. The game is set to launch in 2024 on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X.

10. MachineGames

MachineGames is the genius behind Wolfenstein: The New Oder and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus of 2017. It was formed in 2009 by former Starbreeze Studios members, and they took over the Wolfenstein series in 2010.

MachineGames made a name for itself in its well-designed first shooter games. It recently announced that it is working on a new Indiana Jones movie with LucasFilm Games. The movie’s popularity and Machinegames’ reputation will make this a big project.

Conclusion 

If you had the question, does Microsoft own EA, you have your answer. Electronic Arts is one of the biggest software companies in the world, and they have developed some revolutionary games. Titles like FIFA and Need for Speed have made it timeless. 

Microsoft has acquired many game studios in the past, and they have contributed to its success. There have been speculations that it might acquire EA in the next few years, but there aren’t any clear indications of this happening. Fans will get amazing games regardless.