Ensemble Studios, owned and operated by Microsoft or, Microsoft Games Studios, has been targed to be dissolved. All employees will find new homes, a large quantity will start a new studio and continue maintaining the later released Halo Wars franchise.
Microsoft has chosen to close the studio as part of their growth plan of Microsoft Games Studios much like FASA was closed in the past. The difference, there is a new landing point for Halo Wars unlike the uncertain future of Shadowrun.
Commenting on the reason for the closure, Microsoft said, “This was a fiscally rooted decision that keeps MGS on its growth path. While the decision to dissolve Ensemble was not an easy one, Microsoft is working to place as many Ensemble employees who do not move to the newly formed studio into open positions within Microsoft as possible.” (gamespot)
Ensemble Studio’s folks will continue to work with Microsoft and will continue to support Halo Wars after its launch. It is important to stress their statement of continuing to support Halo Wars, there is no need to think the project will be done half-assed or without pride as the project will live on with a different studio name.
The only question is… what is causing Microsoft to close down studios with actively working real franchise projects? FASA went down, Bungie was let go on their own and now Ensemble Studios? There has to be something going on here… idea?
Great segment on the track and field game on NES. I think it was bundled with the console at one point. Great memories.
Have you ever covered Afterburner on the gaming history? That used to be my favorite arcade game.
My problem with compilation games for the Wii is that they usually aren’t designed with the Wii controls in mind.
Waiting on games: I do this as well like Mass Effect. I waited long enough it came down to 19.99 and comes with DLC instead of paying the 50 to 60 when it first came out. Hence Fallout 3 GOTY edition comes out this fall with all the DLC.