According to a report published less than an hour ago by Kotaku, Microsoft is close to buying Obsidian Entertainment. Several anonymous sources have confirmed the deal could be ‘90% done’ or thereabouts.
The Californian development studio was founded in June 2003 and has almost entirely focused throughout its history on making roleplaying games. Some of its greatest accomplishments include Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, Neverwinter Nights 2, Fallout: New Vegas, South Park: The Stick of Truth, Pillars of Eternity (and sequel) and Tyranny.
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Obsidian often had financial troubles, though, despite a host of devoted fans. That’s why it had to turn to Kickstarter to fund their Pillars of Eternity IP and its sequel. Sales of these games were satisfactory, as far as we know, though perhaps the studio would rather find stability once and for all instead of having to seek funding each and every time with a different publisher.
With Microsoft, they wouldn’t have to worry about funding anymore, that’s for sure. Obsidian games are also known to be often riddled with bugs at launch and perhaps Microsoft’s Quality Assurance department can lend a hand with that particular issue.
Slightly more than a year ago, Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart said that Microsoft was ‘actively looking’ into working with independent studios. At the time, the thought of Obsidian being included in this list crossed our minds; Microsoft then announced at E3 2018 the establishment of a brand new developer (The Initiative) and the purchase of four renown studios (Ninja Theory, Playground Games, Compulsion Games and Undead Labs). Microsoft executives also hinted that they weren’t necessarily done with more acquisitions.
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There is one lingering question, though. In late 2017, the studio revealed to have signed a deal with 2K’s new Private Division label to develop an unannounced RPG project led by Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, co-creators of Fallout. Will Obsidian continue development of this game for Private Division, or perhaps Microsoft will buy the rights for that as well? We’ll have to wait for an official statement to know for sure.
Meanwhile, what do you think of this possible acquisition? Let us know below!
