In what could be a blow to Linux gamers who are fans of Obsidian RPGs, Microsoft is apparently close to acquiring the studio.
Kotaku writes:
One person with knowledge of the deal told Kotaku they’d heard it was “90%” finished. Said a second person: “It’s a matter of when, not if.”
So that sounds basically certain, that Microsoft will soon own Obsidian. Both Microsoft and Obsidian declined to comment on the rumour of course, as companies usually do when deals aren't yet finished.
Naturally, this will be a worry to Linux gamers since this could mean future Obsidian titles may not arrive on Linux like they have before. Obsidian has given Linux fans Pillars of Eternity, Pillars of Eternity II and Tyranny recently so it would be a huge shame not to have their next story-driven RPG land on Linux.
Microsoft acquiring anyone always makes me feel quite uneasy, since they could end up requiring future games they publish to be exclusive to their own store therefore locking out Steam. At least if they stayed on Steam and didn't do a Linux version (for whatever reason) of their next set of games, we would have Steam Play's Proton so it wouldn't be such a major issue.
However, Microsoft seems to have done a good job at letting Mojang continue doing their thing with the Java edition of Minecraft so perhaps it will work out okay.
What are your thoughts?
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Quoting: GuestWell, to be completely fair, not all microsoft published games are windows or xbox exclusive. This game was surprisingly nice, despite sloppy voice acting https://store.steampowered.com/app/236090/
There was like... one more game that also had linux support, I think Microsoft as a game publisher is probably hands off enough to let devs mostly do whatever the hell they want to do and not be anal about shit like which platforms it supports. If linux gamers want to buy games published by microsoft then hey, more moneys. It's simple logic.
I always found it a bit weird, firing up Dust natively on Linux, and seeing the Microsoft logo.
Compulsion Games were already swallowed, now Obsidian. Who is next? MS are really disgusting.
QuoteAt least if they stayed on Steam and didn't do a Linux version (for whatever reason) of their next set of games, we would have Steam Play's Proton so it wouldn't be such a major issue.
It is a major issue, since Obsidian were strong supporters of DRM-free releases. MS will kill that most likely.
Last edited by Shmerl on 9 October 2018 at 9:37 pm UTC
So chances of MS actually buying Obsidian are like... what, ~3%?
Avehicle7887 Oct 9, 2018
Either way, if this ends up being true then PoE 2 might potentially be my last Obsidian game.
Quoting: Avehicle7887Excuse my ignorance, but don't both parties need to come to an agreement for the company to be acquired, MS can't just buy the company.
Sure, Obsidian just accepted a "generous offer" by MS, and out of the window go their previous principles and values they pitched for their backers regarding their independence and DRM-free / Linux support. Not the first time such thing is happening.
Anyway, let's wait and see. But I'm not expecting a positive outcome. I have little trust in the "new MS isn't evil" claim. Especially when it comes to gaming. Bosses which run that part of MS are same ones who don't want to support Vulkan on Xbox.
Last edited by Shmerl on 9 October 2018 at 9:42 pm UTC
ElectricPrism Oct 9, 2018
Microsoft's plan seemed to be to demolish the existing phone tech, push Windows mobile onto all new devices, and when things went down the toilet (competing against Apple and Google failed), then they pulled out leaving Nokia with a much worse company to rebuild.
Meanwhile, during the take-over, there was a splinter-group of irked ex-Nokia employees who went to form the Jolla mobile company running their own SailfishOS Linux operating system. Jolla is still running but unfortunately isn't doing as well as it had hoped. Meanwhile, I wish Nokia would resurrect those Linux operating systems (Maemo and Meego) and re-release updated versions on new phones.
Meanwhile, it is perfectly possible that a bunch of Obsidian staff (e.g. More than just the Linux devs) will not be happy with such an acquisition, and will leave Obsidian/Microsoft and form their own new indie splinter-company ;) [And I've seen the same happen before, not just with Nokia / Jolla - "Personal experience."]
Last edited by g000h on 9 October 2018 at 10:13 pm UTC
slaapliedje Oct 9, 2018
Quoting: drmothNoooooooooooooooooo!
http://www.nooooooooooooooo.com/
Well, currently Obsidian games are published via Paradox, which is probably a large reason why they have DRM-Free and Linux versions in the first place. Not sure exactly how buying a development studio when they already have a publishing company works, but obviously it works all the time (look at Bioware who used to publish through Atari, then EA got hold of them).
Quoting: slaapliedjeNot sure exactly how buying a development studio when they already have a publishing company works, but obviously it works all the time (look at Bioware who used to publish through Atari, then EA got hold of them).
Paradox don't own Pillars, but they own Tyranny. Depends on their partnership / deal. MS will own anything Obsidian will make. And Pillars in addition and anything else that Obsidian are owners of, since they are buying the company with all creative assets.
Last edited by Shmerl on 9 October 2018 at 10:14 pm UTC
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