I think we are going to see a lot of deals like this in the future. MS is transitioning to more current Hollywood model instead of old Hollywood models when the studios employed everyone.
That’s a whole lot of purple on that image. What could they possibly be working on. hmmmm
I think it’s all going to come down to IP ownership, especially when we keep seeing people going back to the same franchises over and over again.
I wouldn’t be surprised if we continue to see Xbox scooping up more established IP’s.
In this case Xbox have clearly retained both the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro IP’s. Therefore T4B will have to work with Xbox if they still want to make those games and if they don’t I guess Xbox can just shop around for a different developer (which would be a shame IMO).
It’s always better to be in the steering seat I suppose.
I think this is more an example of “how do we keep the studio together”. Instead of Xbox paying 68 guys to work on something internally, then having to hire extra people, the whole studio of 150+ can get to work on Spyro 4 asap and Xbox doesnt have to lay off 60 other employees.
I am always pleased to see this, People Can Fly, Hundred Star and Elsewhere Entertainment being comissioned for AAA games half a decade away. It shows Xbox never wants to let up.