After several studio acquisitions during the year, Microsoft still appears willing to make purchases and add another studio to its portfolio. This year alone, the company acquired around five studios, including Ninja Theory, Playground Games, and Undead Labs. Now a new acquisition rumor has emerged, involving Obsidian Entertainment.
The rumor is based on a Kotaku blog post, which says that three people involved in the negotiations provided information about Microsoft's potential acquisition. One reportedly said 90% of the process had already taken place, while another said the important question was not whether it would happen, but when.
Obsidian Entertainment has been an independent studio since 2003 and is recognized for RPG productions such as Fallout: New Vegas, Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II, and South Park: The Stick of Truth. Although it has made good games, the company has faced financial problems, nearly filing for bankruptcy in 2012; Microsoft's acquisition could therefore bring financial stability and resources to the company.
In 2017, however, Obsidian announced development of a new RPG alongside Private Division, which would distribute the game. If the sale really happens, it is not clear what the future of this project will be.
When approached, spokespeople for both companies declined to comment on the matter.
"We do not comment on rumors or speculation," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
"Unfortunately, we do not comment on rumors or speculation beyond saying that Fleetwood Mac's Rumours album is still standing," said an Obsidian spokesperson, referring to the band's 1980s album.
It is worth remembering that Obsidian and Microsoft previously worked together on an exclusive RPG for the launch of Xbox One, Stormlands. However, after a series of disagreements between the companies, the game was cancelled in 2012, making the rumor somewhat distant from reality.
