After Criticism Of Lack Of Xbox One Games, Microsoft Creates New Studio And Buys Four Others

Microsoft has been criticized in the past for not having enough exclusives. Presumably in response to that feedback, the company announced during its E3 2018 briefing today that it has acquired or established five new studios to work under the Microsoft Studios umbrella.

The first is the Santa Monica-based The Initiative, which is being headed up by former Tomb Raider boss Darrell Gallagher. The studio is currently building a team of "world class talent" to develop "groundbreaking new game experiences."

Microsoft also announced that it has acquired State of Decay developer Undead Labs and Forza Horizon studio Playground Games. Spencer confirmed that Playground is making a brand-new game, which is rumored to be Fable 4.

What's more, Microsoft also acquired We Happy Few developer Compulsion Games and Hellblade developer Ninja Theory. Check out Ninja Theory's video above to hear the studio explain why it joined Microsoft Studios.

For the studio acquisitions, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said the teams will have "creative independence." Microsoft's investment gives the teams more resources to take "bigger risks" and make "bolder worlds." Go to GameSpot's E3 2018 hub to get a full rundown of all the big news from the show.