Microsoft to buy Bioware?

[Imran Siddiqui]

According to the somewhat obscure Polygon Magazine, Microsoft and BioWare are set to announce a holy union at May's E3. The rumor makes some sense, as Microsoft is publishing BioWare's next console title, Jade Empire. However, BioWare previously asserted they only planned to make games for Xbox and PC, so it's curious why Microsoft would feel compelled to spend a good chunk of money to purchase a developer already in its corner.

Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation, so could not deny nor confirm whether BioWare would indeed become part of the Microsoft family. BioWare, however, did comment on the rumors, offering: "BioWare's upcoming Xbox action-RPG, Jade Empire, is based on an entirely new BioWare intellectual property and slated for a holiday 2004 release. Microsoft is the publisher for Jade Empire. Microsoft is a certainly a valued business partner with whom BioWare enjoys a very positive and cooperative relationship."

That cryptic response may mean there is indeed something in the works. If this rumor is true, Microsoft increases its healthy list of first-party development companies, but it really won't mean much of a change for gamers, who get Jade Empire and a likely Neverwinter Nights Xbox title in the near future.

We'll have more on this story if it develops beyond the rumor stages.

Interesting news... perhaps Microsoft can be convinced to purchase Black Isle and just become the new Interplay for RPGs.

[DrSpike]

Hmm, I'll wait for a bit before believing this.

[Skanky Burns]

"BioWare's upcoming Xbox action-RPG, Jade Empire, is based on an entirely new BioWare intellectual property and slated for a holiday 2004 release. Microsoft is the publisher for Jade Empire. Microsoft is a certainly a valued business partner with whom BioWare enjoys a very positive and cooperative relationship."

That cryptic response was probably just cut and pasted from one of BioWare's latest press releases. Even if it were in context, it wouldn't offer much information.

[Traianvs]

If it's true the: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Micro$oft has the bad habit of cancelling games if the development of those games cost too much, or if it does not reach the micro$oft standards. Mythica only just recently was cancelled like this, and there was not really a reason for it, because the entire gaming community and the press called it a very promising game.

KILL M$

[Kassiopeia]

perhaps Microsoft can be convinced to purchase Black Isle and just become the new Interplay for RPGs.

Which will all be published first on the Xbox with a PC port in the works a year later. These "RPGs" will also probably be more like BG Dark Alliance.

At this rate the world will have three game companies: Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Activision.

[Grumbold]

Yeucch

[mactbone]

Penny Arcade has a source who says no.

I'm hearing a huge "no" from people internal to the company. But then I'm like, well, if he's in on it...

[ZargonX]

Hurrah! More merging of developers into mega-conglomerates! With any luck, soon we won't have any original games (assuming any ever get published, period, with all the inevitable corporate delays...)

[Spaced Cowboy]

Originally posted by Kassiopeia


Which will all be published first on the Xbox with a PC port in the works a year later. These "RPGs" will also probably be more like BG Dark Alliance.

At this rate the world will have three game companies: Electronic Arts, Microsoft and Activision.

What, not Atari?

[General Ludd]

Originally posted by ZargonX
Hurrah! More merging of developers into mega-conglomerates! With any luck, soon we won't have any original games (assuming any ever get published, period, with all the inevitable corporate delays...)

There'll always be the 'underdogs' like Paradox and Illwinter who do it for the love of the games, not for the love of the money.

... I hope.

[Dis]

oh please god no!

[Kassiopeia]

What, not Atari?

Point taken. And Vivendi. But they are all whores of Babylon, the lot of 'em.

[Trifna]

If Atari survived until now, then it must mean that nothing can assimilate them anyway

PS: Hello Kass and Dissident

[Asher]

Originally posted by General Ludd
There'll always be the 'underdogs' like Paradox and Illwinter who do it for the love of the games, not for the love of the money.

... I hope.

But the games Paradox and Illwinter make are just contrived, lame, and dull as what you get out of the megacorps -- just without the polish and marketing.

Honestly, I think it's a psychological thing for the people who are fans of their games. Boggles my mind.

[Nubclear]

Asher is just jealous cause I, the glorious Russian empire, invaded Canada in Victoria.