
Ensemble Studios. FASA Interactive. Bungie. Rare. LionHead. One thing that console manufacturers are forced to do is acquire independent game developers that will create the first-party titles every console needs at launch and throughout its lifespan.
Although a console can't succeed without third party support, first and second party titles are the games that truly differentiate a console from its competitors.

CC writes, "Esoteric Ebb is incredible. Saturated in fantastic writing and memorable characters, marrying CRPG and TTRPG systems in clever ways."

WTMG's Kyle Nicol: "Resident Evil Requiem might not be my absolute favourite entry in the franchise, but it gets really damn close. It’s easily one of the most ambitious games in the series to date, somehow balancing two completely different gameplay styles while still delivering some of the most thrilling scares I’ve had in a horror game. Then it shifts gears into full-blown, over-the-top action, backed by a ridiculously compelling story."

Hermit and Pig is a delightful RPG about Hermit and Pig that proudly wears its inspirations for all to see in the best way.
EA sucks, they destroy every franchise they get their hands on (lotr, hp, 007, etc.)
Think about what EA did to the NHL and NFL games, now imagine a world where EA owns all the developers...
don't forget EA buying up the Nascar license. then promptly ruined it. i wonder how C & C 3 will fare?
on somthings like the TS series, and are trying there best to improve fifa
Well considering the latest lawsuit of $1,520,000,000.00 that MSFT is facing they are in no position to buy any developers.
Maybe once Windows Vista starts selling better? Who knows.
Microsoft used to be very innovative and control every little thing surrounding computer software, ever since 2002's release of Win XP they've been on decline.
The only sector that Microsoft is showing healthy growth in is the gaming sector of their company. And I'm not even talking about PC gaming, no... that part of their company is dying out. I'm talking about Xbox 360.
Perhaps they should refocus in what made them a monopoly in the first place, the Windows OS. Many people think of Windows Vista as a disaster that should've never happened, but it did, and now there is little they can do about it.
BTW I'm typing this on a Windows Vista Home Premium OS and I will be switching back to XP in a couple of days. It just doesn't cut it for me ):