These are some of the best and most popular video game franchises that are now owned by Xbox Game Studios.
Microsoft owns 23 game studios as of 2023. As a result, Xbox Game Studios now own some of the best game franchises that were developed by prominent video game developers like Bethesda and 343 Industries.
Please note that this list does not include games like Call of Duty since Microsoft has not yet completed its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
DOOM
Id Software’s DOOM reboots are some of the greatest first-person shooters. Microsoft owns id Software, as they own Bethesda now.
2016’s reboot of DOOM received critical acclaim and love from fans and critics alike. Fast-paced shooting mechanics paired with excellent platforming and mobility gave way to a stellar and spectacular FPS experience.
The success of the franchise was only amplified when DOOM Eternal was released. This latest entry was exactly like 2016’s DOOM but bigger, better, and bloodier.
With all-new weapons and tools, the possibilities of clever and gory killing were nearly endless. Hopefully, the success of the franchise will prevail in the hands of Xbox Game Studios in the future.
The Elder Scrolls
The Elder Scrolls is one of the most popular role-playing game franchises in the world. It features fully explorable, huge open worlds with tons of side quests and hidden details, as well as a ton of lore.
The most popular game in the franchise, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, is so popular that it keeps getting re-released. It has been released on every major console since PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.
Fallout
Both The Elder Scrolls and Fallout boast very impressive and revolutionary role-playing games that continue to inspire new releases and upcoming titles. Developed by Bethesda Softworks, these games are still played by many gamers all around the world.
The Fallout games are quite similar to the Elder Scrolls franchise in their gameplay, except for the post-apocalyptic setting in Fallout. We recommend playing Fallout New Vegas in particular.
Halo
We cannot forget Halo when discussing Xbox Game Studios. Halo is one of the greatest first-person shooter franchises in history, and it is my personal favorite.
Since Bungie’s revolutionary Halo: Combat Evolved was released in 2001, it changed the industry drastically, for the better. It featured combat that wasn’t too slow or too fast. You needed both patience and quick reflexes in order to ensure the success of your missions. Not to mention the brilliant multiplayer that brought many people together ever since 2001.
Now, 343 Industries make Halo and they’re owned by Microsoft. Their latest game in the franchise, Halo Infinite, was praised for its open-world design and good storyline. It was criticized for its lack of couch co-op.
Forza
Among the video game franchises owned by Xbox Game Studios, I like to consider Forza to be one of the best. Both the simulation-focused Forza Motorsport games and the sim-cade Forza Horizon games are easy to consider as some of the greatest driving games out there.
Featuring tons of customizable cars and beautiful settings, both Motorsport and Horizon remain fan favorites. Horizon in particular is famous for its accurate depictions of real-world locations; Mexico from Forza Horizon 5, for example.
These games boast jaw-dropping graphics and excellent driving mechanics that are second to none. Yes, we may even prefer it to Gran Turismo.
Microsoft Solitaire
Microsoft Solitaire may be a surprise entry in a list full of AAA-quality games, but I’m sure that many people who read this have pleasant memories of playing this card game franchise. They were featured in PCs up until the latest Windows and they’re now downloadable for free from the Microsoft Store. It’s a very nostalgic game that reminds many of us of our childhoods, I’m certain.
