Pure XBox, Microsoft's Side of the Coin to Keen Eye Timeline

[Jaiken]

The year was 1995 and Toshiba had the DVD killed in a bid to allow Nintendo to use Super Density Discs and Sony Multi Media CDs.

Microsoft Games was new to the scene of video games and had some games published under its belt such as Flight Simulator. Rumors were floating around if Microsoft would join the console race against Nintendo, Sega and Sony; however, what really interested Microsoft in the gaming space was PlayStation entering the market.

Microsoft had thought if Sony put Linux onto gaming consoles then that would rival their Windows Operating System.

Microsoft went to work and decided to release their very first ever console. The XBox:

Microsoft would acquire these key developers: Digital Anvil and Ensemble Studios. Their first major acquisition would be Bungie for the Halo series.

Microsoft was also interested in purchasing a prime video game developer in the likes of Rare. Maybe then they would get the critically acclaimed game series Donkey Kong.

Lastly, the head of Microsoft's XBox would be no other than Peter Molyneux who was given the role due to his clear ability to make stand out game studios like Bullfrog Entertainment and the upcoming LionHead Studios.

Time would tell what was in store for Microsoft's Console.

Point of Divergence: Peter Molyneux is named the head of Microsoft's XBox game studios and is given full reign over his freedom in choices for the XBox brand.

 

[Jaiken]

First order of business was acquiring Nintendo's former partner Rare. For some reason Nintendo was giving away the studio that made and owned the Donkey Kong franchise?

Peter Molyneux made the call for Microsoft to acquire the UK based game developer. Being a European himself would help in the integration of work culture and cultural barriers.

Microsoft did not get the Donkey Kong franchise like it had hoped, but a talented developer was welcome in the time frame.

Perfect Dark
Banjo and Kazooie
Conker's Bad Fur Day
Killer Instinct

These were the titles that Microsoft was looking for to diversify its portfolio. Killer Instinct would prove to be a popular title in the grand scheme of XBox online.

It would take a while until Microsoft saw the full results of acquiring Rare. Right now it would focus on garnering success and establishing itself some new partnerships in the gaming industry.

Butterfly Effect: With Peter Molyneux helping with the integration of Rare's integration arm. The time may take longer but will pay out the more sweeter.

Upcoming Chapter:
Reshaping XBox Studios
Gunning for Japan
Choosing Important Partners.

 

[Jaiken]

Peter Molyneux was a man of great pedigree in the land of video games. He knew that at its current state the XBox brand was not going to withstand the amount of studios that they were planning to acquire without a strategic way of integrating and establishing how those properties operated. Thus, Mr. Molyneux brought up the idea of the XBox Studio Guidlines Board or SGB for short.

Under these guidelines Key developers from all the studios they owned such as the Stamper Brothers would overlook game development and determine if a project should be made or not determining if the project was going smoothly.

This was the way that Microsoft would judge what games were worth making and which ones should be dropped. As for now the Stamper brothers would suffice until more talent came pouring in.

As for now the XBox needed presence in Japan and one studio could help them with that.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft has established the SGB to watch over game making and is starting to work it’s way towards Japan.

Upcoming Chapters:
Gunning for Japan
Choosing Important Partners
Raring to Go

 

[Jaiken]

Kabushiki-gaisha Esu Enu Kē or S.N.K was hitting hard times. With its uncertain future ahead it was willing to be bought by somebody but first they needed some good arcade tech. Enter Microsoft and its Chihiro arcade architecture which Sega had been using for most of its time as a new third party developer. Peter Molyneux saw the potential in a developer like S.N.K. Along with the companies partnership and expertise with game developers like Capcom.
S.N.K. would be absolved of its financial troubles if it only was to make games for the XBox console and some arcade boards in the South American and Japanese regions. The deal was struck and S.N.K. was added as a new member to the Microsoft Game Studios board. This was a great acquisition to have. A dedicated developer that had expertise in fighting games, great relationship with other developers like Capcom and great games like with Metal Slug.

This was far from the last developer Microsoft would acquire, but as of right now it needed a developer that would showcase the power of the XBox consoles. Tecmo was a Japanese developer that had good ties with Microsoft’s newest console and own that showed promise as an upcoming game studio. With its Dead Or Alive, Ninja Gaiden, Monster Rancher and Fatal Frame Series there would be a ton to be gained from this acquisition; therefore, Microsoft would buy out Tecmo for a bid of $24 Million and Tomonobu Itagaki would be made president of Tecmo.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft now owns Tecmo and S.N.K. as game developers.

Upcoming Chapters:
Choosing Important Partners
Raring to Go
Impact of Online Gaming

 

[Jaiken]

With the bid done on acquiring S.N.K. and Tecmo, Microsoft would focus on getting some partners to help establish its series. Thanks to their connections with Capcom, S.N.K. would help the computer giant with access to video games such as Megaman and Street Fighter for the original XBox, including those games from Capcom that were to come in the near future.

Next up was Bioware with its Knights of the Old Republic game series. Surely if the game developer had created something like that it would create something even better in the near future? Time would tell but Microsoft would keep tabs on what was happening to Bioware.

Nintendo might have been buying off parts of Sega before Sammy bought them, but they did not acquire Sega as a whole. Which is why Microsoft had decided to have the Phantasy Star Online Series be a part of its line up alongside Virtua Fighter and the Sonic the Hedgehog series. Sega might have been gone from the gaming market but there was still some value that the house of the blue blur would prove to be valuable.

The ability to use Super Density Discs had helped Microsoft in the long run, not just Nintendo, as it got Third parties that didn't want to deal with Nintendo and the weak power of Multi Media CDs. Those such as Bethesda that wished to bring computer games to the console gamer would go to Microsoft first.

It would take some time, but slowly the XBox would start taking over in terms of gaming. Maybe the XBox's impact would not fit that of Nintendo's console but would push online gaming further than what Nintendo's Game Cube Server Protocol had done.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft's gaming division is focusing on what to bring next to the gamer and wants a slice of the pie that Nintendo has generated for itself.

Upcoming Chapters:
Raring to Go
Impact of Online Gaming
Biggest Heavy Hitters

 

[Jaiken]

With the Stamper brothers alongside Itagaki Microsoft had a large amount of talent at its disposal in the upcoming market wars of video gaming. The first task was to get S.N.K. to develop a new Metal Slug Game under its online gaming products:

Developer: S.N.K.
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Run and Goon Shoot'em Up
Metal Slug 5 took place where 4 left off and had playable characters Eri and Tarma back in the lines of action. Someone had stolen the tech behind the titular Metal Slug and was planning to use it for nefarious purposes, that is when Marco and crew jump into action to fight off this new threat. The game, alongside the online aspect of the game was met with roaring reviews and solidified S.N.K. as a prolific developer for Microsoft. Speaking of which another title was under way and made its way into the gaming market.

Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Fighting Game

The newest Title in the Capcom vs SNK fighting franchise was more action packed than the last one and was a XBox exclusive title with online functionality.

As time went on it was showing that Capcom was liking the controller that the XBox had used for games and was hard at work developing another title to launch for Microsoft's upcoming console.

Times were looking good for Microsoft and its newly found partners and subsidiaries but what helped in the long run was the Online capabilities of the games that was introduced to the public.

Butterfly Effects: The PlayStation 2 no longer has the future iteration of Metal Slug or Capcom vs SNK 2 and the Studio Guidelines Board proves to be successful for Microsoft.

Upcoming Chapters:
Impact of Online Gaming
Biggest Heavy Hitters
Doing a 360 Flip

 

[Jaiken]

Even though Nintendo's Game Cube Server Protocol had good online games, Microsoft had a better handling of online infrastructure with its games.

Another title that Microsoft had in its eyes was Monster Rancher 4.

Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Monster Growing Simulator Role Playing Game

It was one of the big titles that came from Tecmo, but there was another title that helped Microsoft that Nintendo never got.

Developer: Sonic Team
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Multi Man Online Role Playing Game

Phantasy Star Online was heavily pushed by Microsoft to ensure that the online gaming capabilities of the XBox were appealing to all gamers.

These two games were capable of garnering attention away from Nintendo's Purple Rectangle and helped Microsoft pick up attention from gamers in Japanese territories.

Butterfly Effects: With Microsoft's backing and advertising the titles of Monster Rancher 4 and Phantasy Star Online Episodes I & II are more popular in this timeline.

Upcoming Chapters:
Biggest Heavy Hitters
Doing a 360 Flip
Getting a RPG Studio

 

[Otakuninja2006]

AAAAAAYYYYYYYOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is some good shit right here!

Can't wait for the future!

 

[Jaiken]

Microsoft had done a ton to garner good ground with the gaming population. It had released Phantasy Star Episodes I & II to the west and ensured Microsoft's spot for online gaming.

There was another title that was coming up that Rare had originally made for Nintendo's 64:

Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Platformer/ Third Person Shooter
Conker Live & Reloaded was something more than just an updated game for modern audiences. It had less censorship options than the original and boasted a fine online multiplayer mode.

video credit goes to Xbox Kai Fam Live

Another title was helping Microsoft in the long schemes of gaming popularity:

Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Fantasy Role Playing Mortality Simulator

Fable was said to have been a Legend of Zelda Killer just like Sony's Dark Cloud. It did not live up to the title of Zelda Killer but carved out its own niche among gamers to being a fun Role Playing game. The morality system is what wowed gamers to no end.

Microsoft saw talent in the LionHead Studios group and decided to purchase the Fabled developer.

Butterfly Effects: Conker Live and Reloaded has less censorship than OTL and Fable garners more popularity in Japan.

Upcoming Chapters:
Doing a 360 Flip
Getting a RPG Studio
Of Banjos and Kazooies

 

[Otakuninja2006]

Microsoft had done a ton to garner good ground with the gaming population. It had released Phantasy Star Episodes I & II to the west and ensured Microsoft's spot for online gaming.

There was another title that was coming up that Rare had originally made for Nintendo's 64:

View attachment 838953
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Platformer/ Third Person Shooter
Conker Live & Reloaded was something more than just an updated game for modern audiences. It had less censorship options than the original and boasted a fine online multiplayer mode.

video credit goes to Xbox Kai Fam Live

Another title was helping Microsoft in the long schemes of gaming popularity:

View attachment 838954
Developer: Lionhead Studios
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Fantasy Role Playing Mortality Simulator

Fable was said to have been a Legend of Zelda Killer just like Sony's Dark Cloud. It did not live up to the title of Zelda Killer but carved out its own niche among gamers to being a fun Role Playing game. The morality system is what wowed gamers to no end.

Microsoft saw talent in the LionHead Studios group and decided to purchase the Fabled developer.

Butterfly Effects: Conker Live and Reloaded has less censorship than OTL and Fable garners more popularity in Japan.

Upcoming Chapters:
Doing a 360 Flip
Getting a RPG Studio
Of Banjos and Kazooies

A very good post!

I like this TL even better than the Nintendo version!

 

[Jaiken]

With sales of around 50 Million for its XBox, Microsoft knew it should create a new entry in its family of consoles. With the DVD having been destroyed, Microsoft would work with Toshiba to use Blu-Ray discs to put inside its latest console.

Introducing the XBox 360 a console with a built in Hard Drive and Online features.
Microsoft would still charge players for XBox Live, but it would include more new features such as voice chat and messaging.

Thanks to its partnership with S.N.K. Capcom was able to release this game to the masses:

Dead Rising
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Survival Horror

The game Dead Rising would focus on a freelance journalist name Frank West who was investigating the mysterious government lockdowns of Williamette Colorado.

With this game Microsoft knew it had a big hit on its hands and decided to form a new studio with Capcom to create more games in the Dead Rising style. The new studio would be called: Blue Castle Games

Dead Rising was not the only title to be a launch title for the XBox 360:

Dead or Alive 4
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Fighting

Dead or Alive 4 would launch alongside Dead Rising to show fans what truly powerful hardware the XBox 360 had at its finger tips.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft now has a dedicated studio helping with the creation of Dead Rising games and Dead or Alive 4 is now an XBox 360 exclusive.

Upcoming Chapters:
Getting a RPG Studio
Of Banjos and Kazooies
Shock to the System

 

[Otakuninja2006]

With sales of around 50 Million for its XBox, Microsoft knew it should create a new entry in its family of consoles. With the DVD having been destroyed, Microsoft would work with Toshiba to use Blu-Ray discs to put inside its latest console.

Introducing the XBox 360 a console with a built in Hard Drive and Online features.
Microsoft would still charge players for XBox Live, but it would include more new features such as voice chat and messaging.

Thanks to its partnership with S.N.K. Capcom was able to release this game to the masses:
View attachment 840640
Dead Rising
Developer: Capcom
Publisher: Capcom
Genre: Survival Horror

The game Dead Rising would focus on a freelance journalist name Frank West who was investigating the mysterious government lockdowns of Williamette Colorado.

With this game Microsoft knew it had a big hit on its hands and decided to form a new studio with Capcom to create more games in the Dead Rising style. The new studio would be called: Blue Castle Games

Dead Rising was not the only title to be a launch title for the XBox 360:
View attachment 840641
Dead or Alive 4
Developer: Tecmo
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Fighting

Dead or Alive 4 would launch alongside Dead Rising to show fans what truly powerful hardware the XBox 360 had at its finger tips.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft now has a dedicated studio helping with the creation of Dead Rising games and Dead or Alive 4 is now an XBox 360 exclusive.

Upcoming Chapters:
Getting a RPG Studio
Of Banjos and Kazooies
Shock to the System

Another awesome update!

 

[Jaiken]

The year was 2005 and Hironobu Sakaguchi had left Square Enix not too long ago. His claim to fame was the creation of the Final Fantasy series and kick starting Square Enix's key to success. Thus Mist walker was formed, their earliest title was Blue Dragon for the Nintendo DS but would soon work on a big title for Microsoft.

Peter Molyneux saw the potential in Hironobu Sakaguchi's talent and decided to acquire Mistwalker and made Hironobu Sakaguchi a member of the Studio Guidelines Board.

Having a dedicated Japanese RPG studio was a good thing to have as it also diversified Microsoft's portfolio of games. Now all it needed was as western RPG studio and Bioware was suddenly up for grabs.
Microsoft had decided it would acquire the upcoming and popular studio Bioware as well.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft has acquired Mistwalker and Bioware to make Japanese and Western RPGs for it.

Upcoming Chapters:
Of Banjos and Kazooies
Shock to the System
Instinctual Fighting

 

[Jaiken]

Ever since Microsoft acquired Rare gamers had been wanting a sequel to Banjo and Kazooie. This time Microsoft delivered.

image credit BoxxyTREYMAN
Title Banjo Threeie
Developer: Rare
Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
Genre: Platformer

The game focused on taking down Gruntilda and her undead zombie army. Banjo's friends are in danger from Gruntilda as she seeks to take them all out for plotting to ruin her plans to remain beautiful.

Banjo Threeie was met with some big fanfare as gamers never thought Microsoft would let the Bear and Bird duo see the light of day. With this game releasing Microsoft knew it should try to revive other properties under its Rare umbrella.

Butterfly Effects: Microsoft allows Rare to make Banjo Threeie which is released to critical acclaim.

Upcoming Chapters:
Shock to the System
Instinctual Fighting
Plans for the Future at XBox

 

[Jaiken]

Creator of Star Wars of the Old Republic, Bioware, was a heavy contender to behold in the gaming space. Microsoft knew it would need the expertise of Bioware when making provoking games that had deep combat and enjoyable gameplay features.

Microsoft decided to outbid Electronic Arts to purchase Bioware with hopes of diversifying their portfolio with certain games for a total sum of $400 million dollars. Bioware's Baldur's Gate series would help attract a different type of gamer to bring under their portfolio of games.

Butterfly Effect: Microsoft has acquired Bioware before Electronic Arts. In return Electronic Arts has acquired Activision in a bid to fight off Microsoft's bidding spree.

Next Time:
Instinctual Fighting
Plans for the Future at XBox
Era of Doom

 

[Sonny912]

Do you think psychonauts can get a chapter for itself? I love that game.

 

[Nivek]

Do you think psychonauts can get a chapter for itself? I love that game.

but seems no one bought the original nor the sequel

 

[Jaiken]

Do you think psychonauts can get a chapter for itself? I love that game.

Yeah it should.

 

[TheFaultsofAlts]

How many properties does Microsoft own outright now? For that matter, how many genres does the Xbox have its fingers in?

Also, since EA owns Activision now, does this mean that the microtransactions and behind-the-scenes drama would be par for the course now?

 

[Jaiken]

For the franchises that Microsoft own:
Metal Slug
Art of Fighting
Fatal Fury
King of Fighters
Crystalis
Monster Rancher
Dead or Alive
Xtreme Volley Ball
Ninja Gaiden
Lost Odyssey
Psyconauts
Dragon Age
Mass Effect
Jet Force Gemini
Conker Bad Fur Day
Killer Instinct
Banjo and Kazooie
Halo
Gears of War
Dead Rising
Blinkz the time cat
Fable
Baldurs Gate

Fighting
Run and Gun
Volleyball
Shooter
Zombie survival
Platformer
RPG

These are the genres that Microsoft owns

Side Note: Microtransactions are out of control due to EA owning Activision and EA is Microsoft’s rival this timeline.