| Microsoft to Acquire Epic Games?
GamePro magazine is making a bold prediction: Microsoft will spend $1 billion this summer to acquire independent developer Epic Games.
In the latest issue of the magazine, according to a WRAL.com report, GamePro Assistant Editor Travis Moses wrote, "Microsoft will buy Epic Games for $1 billion." Epic, the company behind the award-winning Gears of War and Unreal Tournament III, is considered especially attractive because of their Unreal engine technology, which is used by numerous other developers for game development on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
"Epic Games is one of the few highly regarded indie developers... partly for their games but mostly for their Unreal technology," Moses wrote. "Microsoft has lots of cash on hand, and in buying Epic, could collect royalty rights for Unreal technology across other platforms. Given Epic's tight partnership with Microsoft, along with widespread use of the Unreal engine, this move makes a lot of sense, particularly in light of [Electronic Arts'] Pandemic/BioWare merger [as] well as the Activision/Vivendi shockers." The report says Microsoft and Epic Games will have adjacent exhibits at this year's Game Developers Conference.
Such a move would also bring a high-profile replacement for Bungie back into the Microsoft studio. Bungie was acquired by Microsoft in 1999 following the announcement of the first Halo. As a result of the purchase, Halo development was shifted from the PC and Mac to Microsoft's Xbox console, and ultimately went on to become one of the most popular videogames of all time. Following the release of Halo 3, Bungie broke away from Microsoft in October 2007, saying it wanted to pursue new IPs as an independent company.
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| What would happen to the Unreal Engine 3 for PS3? |
| I'm not too sure about all this buying other companies. It seems as if the larger companies are monopolising the market.
But, on the other hand, maybe this is good because it gives developers more money for their development.
Hmm |
| Huh, I'm not even sure Epic needs more money. Their games are huge sellers, and they licence their engine, one of the best, at huge prices.
This sure is going to give Epic an even more impressive status, even if the deal isn't made.
Can't say I'm happy to see Microsoft try to grab them. |
| NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ArchAnemone:
What would happen to the Unreal Engine 3 for PS3?
It would mean they'd probably put a stop to user created materials being put on the PS3. |
| TheNecroswanson:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel that sentiment.
ArchAnemone:
What would happen to the Unreal Engine 3 for PS3?
TheNecroswanson:
It would mean they'd probably put a stop to user created materials being put on the PS3.
I suspect they would make you pay for it. |
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Microsoft to Acquire Epic Games?
GamePro magazine is making a bold prediction: Microsoft will spend $1 billion this summer to acquire independent developer Epic Games.
In the latest issue of the magazine, according to a WRAL.com report, GamePro Assistant Editor Travis Moses wrote, "Microsoft will buy Epic Games for $1 billion." Epic, the company behind the award-winning Gears of War and Unreal Tournament III, is considered especially attractive because of their Unreal engine technology, which is used by numerous other developers for game development on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.
"Epic Games is one of the few highly regarded indie developers... partly for their games but mostly for their Unreal technology," Moses wrote. "Microsoft has lots of cash on hand, and in buying Epic, could collect royalty rights for Unreal technology across other platforms. Given Epic's tight partnership with Microsoft, along with widespread use of the Unreal engine, this move makes a lot of sense, particularly in light of [Electronic Arts'] Pandemic/BioWare merger [as] well as the Activision/Vivendi shockers." The report says Microsoft and Epic Games will have adjacent exhibits at this year's Game Developers Conference.
Such a move would also bring a high-profile replacement for Bungie back into the Microsoft studio. Bungie was acquired by Microsoft in 1999 following the announcement of the first Halo. As a result of the purchase, Halo development was shifted from the PC and Mac to Microsoft's Xbox console, and ultimately went on to become one of the most popular videogames of all time. Following the release of Halo 3, Bungie broke away from Microsoft in October 2007, saying it wanted to pursue new IPs as an independent company.
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