Xbox intends to continue acquiring studios for its games division

Since 2018, Xbox has been making a number of moves in the quest to expand the Xbox Game Studios division and has acquired a number of studios to do so. This is how Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Playground Games, inXile Entertainment, Obsidian Entertainment, and even Double Fine came about and joined the long list. Since then, they haven't acquired anymore, but that doesn't mean that Microsoft isn't open to new acquisitions.
According to Xbox boss Phil Spencer, who recently held an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, "We acquired quite a few studios in a short period of time, and we want to make sure those studios are adapted in the right way. Matt Booty [head of Xbox Game Studios] and I were talking about just that, and we wanted to make sure the studios that come in feel like they're a part of the organization, that they feel supported."

"The Game Pass lineup and subscriber base continue to grow. We're preparing to launch a new console. Last year was the year we grew the most in PCs in terms of revenue for the Xbox Game Studios division. Much of the business is working very well, so we are always looking at the market for new studio opportunities."

Xbox is always looking at the market for new opportunities

"Our priority was to make sure that the studios had everything they needed to develop the best games. That means extending some of the deadlines and giving them more budgets. We have the full support of Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, and Amy Hood, CFO. And there has been no sign that we should slow down; just keep up the pace as a leading team. We are always looking for opportunities. But they have to be the right opportunities."

In light of the rumors about the sale of Warner Bros. Games, and with Microsoft's commitment to this asset, Spencer's statements are interesting at this point. On another note, we don't know how many studios might eventually make it to the Xbox division. For example, Spencer said in December last year that he would like to acquire an Asian studio, as this would be very beneficial for the Xbox brand.

The Xbox In-House Studios game launch event is planned for July 23rd when we'll finally see what the studios are working on.