Xbox: 11 Studios Microsoft Might Buy Next

11. Studio MDHR

This young studio has only produced one game to date... but what a game!

Cuphead is 1930s animation meets challenging (aka controller smashing) run-and-gun gameplay: a combination which resulted in an indie smash hit.

Why Likely:

During Cuphead's lengthy production, Microsoft provided funding in a hands-off capacity. As a result, MDHR was able to self-publish and retain game rights, while Microsoft provided promotion and obtained a timed-exclusivity window.

The two built an amicable relationship with each other, with the mega-corp taking a chance on an unproven studio,- and it paid off in full. So, why not make them permanent residents?

Why Not:

It's true, MDHR did work closely with Microsoft on Cuphead, but they did also manage to negotiate a deal that allowed them to retain independence for their studio and IP. Would they be quick to give that up?

And while they tick the box of being a second-party studio with a healthy relationship with Xbox Game Studios, they are young and don't match the criteria of already being a well-established entity... a factor that is a blatant trend for recent Microsoft buys.

Buying Temperature: Lukewarm