Microsoft to close Ensemble studios when Halo Wars is finished.

Posted under All Games, Console Crimes, Games, Kemanswar, Microsoft, XBL Radio, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox Live, Xbox Live Arcade by kemanswar

What is going on here, first they close the doors to FASA Interactive, than Bungie is allowed to buy their “freedom” back, and now this. Ensemble Studios will be closed once Halo Wars is finished. As one from the outside I can only guess as to the thinking behind these decisions. It has been confirmed by Microsoft, their reason was a simple one.

“This was a fiscally rooted decision that keeps MGS on its growth path. While the decision to dissolve Ensemble was not an easy one, Microsoft is working to place as many Ensemble employees who do not move to the newly formed studio into open positions within Microsoft as possible.”

If you want this podcaster’s opinion, they are doing one of three things.

1) They are going to be making a BIG purchase next year of a major developer (Rockstar maybe?)
2) Microsoft maybe ditching in house development altogether and just signing exclusive partnerships where they publish and hire developers on a game to game basis.
3) Trying to save money on the game dev side to put into a new console or make the 360 cheaper than the Wii thus making it a viable option for the casual family.

We have all heard the rumors of Microsoft wanting to purchase Rockstar for some time. By selling off some of the lesser known developers it should increase their cash flow to make such a purchase. Maybe they are looking at Ubisoft, or a deal with Activision/Blizzard, EA maybe. The possibilities are endless with a wallet the size of Microsoft.

To continue my second thought, Microsoft is a good publisher, but 1st party titles seem a little lack luster (Halo being the exception). 3rd party games almost always fare better than the 1st party counterpart. Could they be moving to a publisher only stand point? Anything is possible and not many of us would be shocked at this turn. It would be easy to sell add space in the game and make the developers bend to their will. Luckily some of the staff knows what makes a good game. This could also mean increased Live support for all of us to see and maybe use in the upcoming Live Anywhere.

One of the most sensible options would be just to cut costs where ever they can. By cutting costs, Microsoft could be posturing themselves to lead the next console generation by dominating the last of this one. When they cut costs, they can lower the price of the 360 even further; splicing into Nintendo’s dominating grip on the casual gaming family. If they can gain a firmer hand in the casual market they can control more of a market share in the next generation.

With all of the random speculation said, it is just that, speculation. We will all have to wait and see what the big MS has planned for our gaming future.

Keman