Leaked Press Release: MS May Have Bought Bioware

[Bond]

EXCLUSIVE: MICROSOFT SET FOR BIOWARE SWOOP?

Has Bill Gates' money mountain secured the services of yet another big name?

18:40 Microsoft is in the process of acquiring acclaimed Canadian developer BioWare, according to internal sources operating at the highest levels. Compelling evidence has been brought to our attention which suggests that the deal was almost certainly in place before last Christmas, and current chatter points to the acquisition being announced towards E3.

A highly placed inside source told us: "There was definitely a press release drafted by Microsoft for the deal before Christmas. It basically announced the fact that Microsoft had acquired BioWare - it was all ready to go."

The reason for the delay in announcing the deal is unclear and may indicate that there are further legal matters to be worked through or that the acquisition may have run into unspecified difficulties. Another possibility is that BioWare is currently working on Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic for LucasArts, and depending on what type of deal BioWare has with the publisher, this may have hold up the process.

Microsoft itself refused to shed any light on the situation, stating "This is a rumour and we don't comment on rumours," while a spokesperson for BioWare would only offer a terse "No comment."

The move would certainly make perfect sense for Microsoft. BioWare is a highly-respected developer with an excellent reputation, responsible for big-name titles like Baldur's Gate, Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The developer is also working on two secret titles, one for Xbox and one for PC.

We can also reveal that BioWare is also currently involved in a mentor system, whereby it gives certain intellectual properties to independent developers and offers funding to nurture the project. It is currently unclear how this mentor scheme would be affected by the acquisition, if it does go ahead.

The fact that a press release was already written internally at Microsoft last year, proves that it was thought to be a done deal at the time. But the current status of the situation is unclear. If the deal is still on, Microsoft is likely to make the announcement soon. We'll keep you fully updated on all developments in this matter. Meantime, feel the power of Microsoft's cash.

-Computerandvideogames.com

This is certainly very interesting news. Although of course not confirmed.

[gekko]

I hope it's not true. There is little benefit to anyone except Microsoft with a sale of BioWare, and personally, I don't give a rat's ass about Microsoft.

If Microsoft buys BioWare that means you won't see their games on any other system next generation. Sure Xbox may have the best hardware this generation, but next generation they may have the worst. If MS buys out companies, it just prevents potentially great games from appearing on the best system.

However, I understand why Microsoft would want to buyout the industry. If the hardware gap balances out next generation, and it comes down to the games, they will be in trouble. Buy everyone you can, bribe the others. ****ty business practices, the gaming industry has become political, glad I won't be around to watch it fall apart.

[TheGame]

Originally posted by gekko
glad I won't be around to watch it fall apart.

what do you mean you won't be around?

Anyway, I agree, MS's step into the industry has turned everything into a game of monopoly... Developers are all just property, and they all will eventually be bought out by one company or another if MS continues at it's current rate.

Maybe EA will be the savior of third party games... If MS buys out Sega, I predict Sony and Nintedo will start trying to buy out any developers they can before MS sucks them all up.

[Jonbo298]

I think the 3 companies are figuring out that next-gen will be about the games (hopefully) and not about hardware. That might explain why some companies are starting to align more with one company then another. I think Sony won't try much since they think they will take next-gen also. Nintendo and MS will try and get as many exclusive games as possible. But this is all theory

[Joeiss]

Originally posted by TheGame
what do you mean you won't be around?

He goes to the military.

[Bond]

Well, according to PlanetXbox this rumor has been crushed:

BioWare Rumor Quickly Crushed

Rumors come and rumors go and over the last month or two with such supposed things as the infamous Nintendo rumors, the Microsoft to buy a number of developers and so forth have been flying around like nobody’s business. Today however, following alleged reports that Microsoft would be buying BioWare, the rumor was quickly taken down. In this thread on the official Neverwinter Nights forum Tom Ohle, Communications Associate at BioWare, had the following to say on the matter.

“Microsoft is not buying BioWare.”

"Well, I can pretty much guarantee that, if we were ever bought up, that would never happen. BioWare (and especially Ray and Greg) prides itself on having a great relationship with its fan community. We'd never give that up.”

Stay with us for more news as it develops.

Source: PlanetXbox

And another one bites the dust...

[Joeiss]

And another one gone, another one gone, another one bites the dust. Hey, I'm gonna get you too. Another one bites the dust

[Perfect Stu]

Bohemian Rhapsody, Bicycle Races > Another One Bites the Dust

Fat Bottom Girls, Killer Queen > Bohemian Rhapsody, Bicyle Race

[Perfect Stu]

Originally posted by Stonecutter
Fat Bottom Girls, Killer Queen > Bohemian Rhapsody, Bicyle Race

hmmm...

Fat Bottomed Girls = Bicycle Races
Bohemian Rhapsody > Fat Bottomed Girls, Killer Queen