Some rather interesting news here, both Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment (source) have now officially joined Microsoft.
Together, they've made some pretty interesting Linux games such as Pillars of Eternity, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire, Tyranny, Wasteland 2, Torment: Tides of Numenera, The Bard's Tale IV: Barrows Deep and more to come.
Microsoft have been picking up quite a number of studios lately including Ninja theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs and also Playground Games so they're continuing to bolster their forces. They're facing huge competition in the console market, so it's likely to help with that more than anything.
News that I am sure will shock some Linux gamers, that's two pretty big studios that have been putting out games for Linux now under the roof of Microsoft. That's a little worrying, but it doesn't mean they will suddenly stop having Linux ports of their games. However, it does make Linux ports of their games slightly less likely I would think. As long as both studios retain a certain amount of freedom, I think we should be okay for future titles. Microsoft loves Linux after all…right?
I have to be honest, I'm a little in shock myself at this news.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
Nevertheless Nov 11, 2018
Quoting: ShmerlQuoting: NeverthelessHere is a Twitter answer of inXile to someone who asked about future GOG support:
https://twitter.com/Inxile_Ent/status/1061435573473329154?s=20
So, current commitments will be kept (MS aren't as dumb as to violate them), but:
QuoteBeyond that, it's hard to say.
That's not reassuring at all. It means inXile didn't include DRM-free releases as a requirement in the acquisition. Too bad.
Exactly! It means it's not even in inXiles (or Obsidians) Hands anymore.
Nevertheless Nov 11, 2018
Quoting: soulsourcequote=[https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2018/11/10/obsidian-inxile-join-microsoft-studios/]As part of our commitment to bringing a steady stream of new, exclusive games to our fans, I’m excited to announce Microsoft’s intent to acquire two new game development studios – Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment.
The keyword here is "exclusive".[/quote]
Oh yes, that's interesting choice of words.
On the bright side, MS money put into these developers could be good for story-rich rpg gaming.
We're still getting a steady stream of great games on Linux. Let's not get ahead of ourselves.
Last edited by tuubi on 11 November 2018 at 10:03 am UTC
Quoting: rick01457On the bright side, MS money put into these developers could be good for story-rich rpg gaming.
I don't think it would matter if it would be DRMed MS-only, story rich RPG gaming.
Quoting: tuubiI don't get all these doomsday attitudes. We probably won't see any more games from these developers on our platform (which certainly makes me sad as a fan), but that's all this means.
With Larian not Porting Divinity 2, that's basically a whole genre (classic CRPGs) gone, no?
Quoting: EikeWith Larian not Porting Divinity 2, that's basically a whole genre (classic CRPGs) gone, no?
Nah, there is the indy scene and some new actors like Pathfinder: Kingmaker, but sure the niche market is badly hurt on Linux. And it is certainly a move on Linux, the crpg games do not sell well and do not sell at all on console, but I think they had a prety respectable share of Linux sales.
slaapliedje Nov 11, 2018
Quoting: GuestOne thing is not overly clear to me: do they own Neverwinter Nights too ?
Nope, Neverwinter Nights was developed by Bioware / Published by "Atari" and now being done by Beamdog (Enhanced Edition). Obsidian did the 2nd one. Just like they did the 2nd Knights of the Old Repulic.
I feel saddest for Brian Fargo. He started inXile after Interplay went bust so that he could make his own games again. Granted I am sure MS gave him a hefty paycheck, so I don't feel too bad for the guy...
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