The Xbox Game Studio list of developers has seen some major changes this year, with the sad news of mass layoffs impacting various teams that fall under the Xbox umbrella. This was followed by reports that Rare's fantasy adventure Everwild has been canceled as a result, and The Initiative, which was formed in 2020, has been shut down with the cancelation of its Perfect Dark reboot.
Xbox has seen some high-profile acquisitions of companies like ZeniMax Media and the now-finalized Activision Blizzard acquisition in recent years, which grew its portfolio. Alongside layoffs earlier in the year, though, we're still awaiting further news to come to light on the scope of the impact the latest changes will have.
Full Xbox Game Studios list
Every Microsoft-owned, first-party studio and what they are working on:
- Arkane Studios
- Beenox
- Bethesda Game Studios
- Bethesda Softworks
- Blizzard Entertainment
- Compulsion Games
- The Coalition
- Demonware
- Digital Legends
- Double Fine Productions
- Elsewhere Entertainment
- Halo Studios
- High Moon Studios
- id Software
- Infinity Ward
- Inxile Entertainment
- King
- MachineGames
- Mojang Studios
- Ninja Theory
- Obsidian Entertainment
- Playground Games
- Radical Entertainment
- Rare
- Raven Software
- Sledgehammer Games
- Treyarch
- Turn 10 Studios
- Undead Labs
- World's Edge
- Xbox Games Studios Publishing
- ZeniMax Online
Arkane Studios
- Notable releases: Dishonored (Multi, 2012), Prey (Multi, 2017), Deathloop (Xbox Series X, 2022), Redfall (Xbox Series X, 2023)
- Working on: Marvel's Blade
- Acquired in: 2021
Arkane Studios is known for building complex immersive sims, experiences that weave a reactive sense of choice and consequence right through the action. Arkane most recently released Deathloop as a timed-exclusive on PS5, and the studio is thought to be working on an Xbox Series X port now. Arkane is also developing Marvel's Blade, an adventure action game following the half-vampire hero. Currently no release date has been announced.
Bethesda Game Studios
- Notable releases: Fallout 3 (Multi, 2008), The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim (Multi, 2011), Starfield (Multi, 2023)
- Working on: The Elder Scrolls 6 (TBC)
- Acquired in: 2021
By acquiring Bethesda Game Studios, Microsoft has added one of the most successful and influential outfits in the industry to its arsenal. This is the studio responsible for overseeing the Fallout and The Elder Scrolls franchises. Since work on Starfield has now wrapped, the studio is fully focused on The Elder Scrolls 6.
Bethesda Softworks
- Notable releases: N/A
- Working on: N/A
- Acquired in: 2021
Microsoft didn't just acquire eight development studios (well, now technically four studios after some recent closures), it also brought ZeniMax Media's publishing wing into the fold. That means that 'Bethesda' as you traditionally know it will continue to exist, with Microsoft allowing it to work semi-autonomously where it will continue to publish the games that are born from its portfolio of partners.
Blizzard Entertainment
- Notable releases: Hearthstone (Multi, 2014), Diablo IV (Multi, 2023), Overwatch 2 (Multi, 2023), (Multi, 2025)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2023
Blizzard Entertainment was acquired by Microsoft officially in 2023. This iconic studio is home to the Diablo and Overwatch franchises, so it's a massive win for sure. However, we are still waiting to hear what new titles they have in store. The last release from the studio was Overwatch 2 back in August 2023. We expect to hear news of their next outing soon.
Compulsion Games
- Notable releases: Contrast (Multi, 2013), We Happy Few (Multi, 2018), South of Midnight (Multi, 2025)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2018
Compulsion Games has only released three games since its formation in 2009. Before 2025, fans only knew of Contrast and We Happy Few, which are polar opposites in terms of theme and genre, although they are connected by a shared value: an undeniable sense of style. Compulsion Games recently released a new adventure game set in the American South called South of Midnight. We are still waiting on news surrounding the developer's next project.
The Coalition
- Notable releases: Gears of War 4 (Xbox One, 2016), Gears 5 (Xbox One, 2019)
- Working on: Gears of War: Reloaded (Multi, 2025), Gears of War: E-Day (TBC)
- Founded in: 2010
When Microsoft acquired the rights to Gears of War from Epic Games in 2014, it was handed off to The Coalition. The studio now leads production on the franchise, pushing the scope of the series with each new installment. The Coalition's most recent release was Gears 5 in 2019, although it has since launched an updated version of the game for Xbox Series X. The studio is now working Gears of War: Reloaded Gears of War: E-Day, which is set to be a prequel to the main story in the franchise, and a remaster of the first Gears of War game is landing on August 26, 2025 with Gears of War: Reloaded. Exciting times!
Double Fine Productions
- Notable releases: Brutal Legend (PS3/Xbox 360, 2009), Psychonauts 2 (Multi, 2021)
- Working on: Keeper (PC, Xbox Series X/S, 2025)
- Acquired in: 2019
Double Fine Productions creates cult-classics. Ever since its formation in 2000, Double Fine has always made games its own way, with an unwavering desire to provide windows into weird and wonderful worlds. Double Fine released Psychonauts 2 to rave reviews in 2021. The studio announced its next project, Keeper, during the Xbox Game showcase 2025, which is a new, original atmospheric puzzle adventure set to land on October 17, 2025.
Elsewhere Entertainment
- Notable releases: N/A
- Working on: TBC
- Founded in: 2024
Elsewhere Entertainment is the latest studio to be added to this list. It's a new internal, standalone studio that was launched by Activision. It's main focus will be creating new narrative-based AAA titles. Currently no projects have been announced but the team is made up of folks with credits from working on The Last of Us, Uncharted and The Witcher, so we have high hopes.
Halo Studios
- Notable releases: Halo 5: Guardians (Xbox One, 2015), Halo Infinite (Xbox Series X, 2021), Halo Infinite (Multi, 2021)
- Working on: Halo Reboot
- Founded in: 2007
Previously known as 343 Industries, Halo Studios has stewardship over the Halo franchise. The studio most recently released Halo Infinite on 15 November 2021 for Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. The studio is now working on a Halo reboot, shifting its titles to Unreal Engine 5 for future project development. "Multiple" Halo projects are said to be in the pipeline. However, we're still waiting on firm confirmations.
id Software
- Notable releases: Doom (Multi, 2016), Doom Eternal (Multi, 2020), Doom: The Dark Ages (Multi, 2025)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2020
They don't come more legendary than id Software. This is the studio that essentially created the first-person shooter with Wolfenstein 3D in 1992, Doom in 1993, and Quake in 1996, and is known for having the industry's greatest shotgun. id recently released the latest Doom game with Doom: The Dark Ages. However, we are still waiting to see what they have cooking next.
Infinity Ward
- Notable releases: Call of Duty (Multi, 2003), Call of Duty: Warzone (Multi, 2020), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Multi, 2024)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2023
Infinity Ward are the keepers of the Call of Duty franchise. Even though other studios on this list have developed some titles in the series (such as Treyarch, Sledgehammer Games, and Raven Software), they were all assisted by Infinity Ward. Currently, there is no new project lined up for Infinity Ward that we know about so far.
inXile Entertainment
- Notable releases: Tides of Numenera (Multi, 2017), Wasteland 3 (2020, Multi)
- Working on: Clockwork Revolution (TBC)
- Acquired in: 2018
inXile is a studio with speciality in c-RPGs, founded by Brian Fargo – director of Wasteland and executive producer of the original Fallout. inXile is now working on a brand new AAA RPG called Clockwork Revolution, a first-person action game with big BioShock Vibes – which is to say, a unique world and an unmistakable visual style. Clockwork Revolution is set to launch for Xbox Series X. However, we are still waiting for a firm release date.
MachineGames
- Notable releases: Wolfenstein: The New Order (Multi, 2014), Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (Multi, 2017), Indiana Jones and the Great Circle (Multi, 2024)
- Working on: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Order of the Giants DLC (Multi, 2025)
- Acquired in: 2021
MachineGames was founded in 2009 by former members of Starbreeze Studios, before being handed the reins to the Wolfenstein series in 2010. The studio made a name for itself with its subversive and tightly designed first-person shooters. Recently, Bethesda collaborated with Lucasfilm Games to create a brand new Indiana Jones game, with MachineGames handling development. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was a smash hit, which is set to get DLC with the reveal of Indiana Jones and the Order of the Giants on September 4, 2025.
Mojang Studios
- Notable releases: Minecraft (Multi, 2011), Minecraft Dungeons (Multi, 2020), Minecraft Legends (Multi, 2023)
- Working on: Minecraft (Multi, 2011)
- Acquired in: 2014
Mojang is the Minecraft company. Acquired by Microsoft in 2014 for 2.5 billion dollars, Mojang has been dutifully updating and evolving Minecraft across all of its supported platforms since. While the studio rarely operates outside of the core Minecraft experience, it did release a family-friendly dungeon-crawler in 2020 called Minecraft Dungeons, and collaborated with Blackbird Interactive on an action-strategy game titled Minecraft Legends which released in 2023.
Ninja Theory
- Notable releases: DmC: Devil May Cry (Multi, 2013), Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Multi, 2017), Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 (Multi, 2024)
- Working on: Project: Mara (Xbox Series X, TBC)
- Acquired in: 2018
Ninja Theory built its reputation creating beautiful, detailed action-adventure games like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and DmC: Devil May Cry. Since its 2018 acquisition, Ninja Theory has invested heavily into state-of-the-art motion capture, Unreal Engine 5, and other new technology to help drive forward Xbox Series X fidelity. The studio is working on a new experimental horror game codenamed Project Mara.
Obsidian Entertainment
- Notable releases: Pillars of Eternity (PC, 2015), The Outer Worlds (Multi, 2019), Grounded (Multi, 2022), Pentiment (Xbox Series X, 2022), Avowed (Xbox Series X, 2025)
- Working on: Grounded 2 (PC, Xbox Series X/S, 2025), The Outer Worlds 2 (Multi, 2025)
- Acquired in: 2018
Obsidian Entertainment is a legendary developer of RPGs. Whether it's action-heavy, like Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds, or leaning more heavily into the strategy side with Pillars of Eternity, the name 'Obsidian' is a mark of quality. The studio released Pentiment a few years ago and made a splash in 2025 with Avowed. However, taking a break from the fantasy genre, the studio is now focusing its attention on upcoming survival game Grounded 2, which is set to arrive on July 29, 2025, followed by space RPG, The Outer Worlds 2, which will release on October 29, 2025.
Playground Games
- Notable releases: Forza Horizon 4 (Xbox One, 2018), Forza Horizon 5 (Multi, 2021)
- Working on: Fable 4 (Xbox Series X, 2026)
- Acquired in: 2018
Playground Games was given the keys to the Forza franchise back in 2010, with Forza Horizon developed in collaboration with series stalwarts Turn 10. Ever since, Playground has consistently delivered open-world racing games that go above and beyond that of the competition. Following the release of Forza Horizon 5 in 2021, the studio is now full focused on its reboot of an iconic Xbox RPG – Fable.
Rare
- Notable releases: Viva Piñata (Xbox 360, 2006), Sea of Thieves (Multi, 2018)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2002
Rare is a legendary British studio. So much so, it's difficult to know where to even begin. So let's skip the history lesson and fast-forward to the present. Rare continues to support and update Sea of Thieves, one of the best multiplayer games out there right now. The studio was also working on a new fantasy adventure with Everwild, but following reports of mass layoffs at Xbox, news surfaced revealing the project has sadly been cancelled.
Turn 10 Studios
- Notable releases: Forza Motorsport 7 (Xbox One, 2017), Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X, 2023)
- Working on: TBC
- Founded in: 2001
Ever since its formation, Turn 10 has been known for its meticulous attention-to-detail, working to create the most realistic and engaging racing sims imaginable. It's currently building a next-generation Forza experience for Xbox Series X. Boasting a stunning visual fidelity and commitment to performance, Turn 10 launched the next generation of Forza Motorsport back in 2023. Its new project hasn't been announced just yet.
Undead Labs
- Notable releases: State of Decay (PC, 2013), State of Decay 2 (Xbox One, 2018)
- Working on: State of Decay 3 (Xbox Series X, TBC)
- Acquired in: 2018
Undead Labs has had its sights on delivering the ultimate zombie survival experience ever since its formation. The studio is currently working on State of Decay 3 for Xbox Series X, which will be its first release since becoming a first-party Xbox studio in 2018. Following an update on the project during the Xbox Game Showcase 2024, we're still awaiting further news.
World's Edge
- Notable releases: Age of Empires 4 (PC, 2021), Age of Mythology: Retold (Multi, 2024)
- Working on: TBC
- Founded in: 2019
While World's Edge isn't directly responsible for making new games, it has been positioned as a caretaker for one of Microsoft's biggest franchises. The studio coordinates development for Age of Empires, working to ensure external studios such as Relic Entertainment and Forgotten Empires are properly aligned. To that end, World's End helped to ship Age of Empires 4 in 2021 for PC, and is yet to reveal what it's working on next.
Xbox Game Studios Publishing
- Notable releases: N/A
- Working on: N/A
- Founded in: 2000
Xbox Game Studios Publishing is an internal group within the Xbox Game Studios group that supports external developers, and those under the wider first-party group. In the past, the global publishing team has worked with partners like Insomniac and Dontnod to bring Sunset Overdrive and Tell Me Why to the platform; it's currently helping Avalanche Studios with its co-op smuggling game Contraband.
ZeniMax Online Studios
- Notable releases: The Elder Scrolls Online (Multi, 2014), Fallout 76 (Multi, 2018)
- Working on: TBC
- Acquired in: 2021
ZeniMax Online Studios is responsible for creating and overseeing Bethesda's online-focused games, such as The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. The studio isn't known to have any brand new games in development, although it is continuing to support, develop, and grow Bethesda's MMORPGs. The studio was said to be working on a new MMO codenamed Blackbird, but amid mass layoffs at Xbox, it has reportedly been canceled.
For future announcements, prepare for showcases with our guide on the complete Summer Game Fest 2025 schedule.
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