Microsoft
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Microsoft | ||
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Founded: 1975 | ||
Headquarters:
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Microsoft is a United States-based multinational computer technology corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a wide range of software products for computing devices and videogaming hardware.
Founded in 1975 by William Henry Gates III and Paul Allen, it first faced the gaming industry indirectly in 1998 by providing a custom version of Windows CE for the Sega Dreamcast, and became an active party in 2001 when they released the Xbox, a console supposed to challenge the Nintendo GameCube and the PlayStation 2. They later released the Xbox 360, in 2005, an improved version of the previous console, to survive the challenge against the Wii and the PlayStation 3.
Microsoft also offers the Microsoft Live Arcade service.
Contents
Company
In January 1994, Microsoft and Sega announced a partnership in which Microsoft would develop the operating system for the then-upcoming Sega Saturn. The company would release a later statement clarifying that they were not producing the Saturn's operating system, but instead interface software for the platform's CD-ROM drive. It is unknown what came of this partnership, or whether Microsoft's work was utilized in the released Saturn.[2]
Notable products and technologies
- Xbox (2001)
- Xbox 360 (2005)
- Kinect (2010)
- Xbox One (2013)
- Xbox Series X (2020)
Softography
Dreamcast
- Microsoft WebTV Setsuzoku Kit (1999)
- Microsoft Combat Flight Simulator (unreleased)
- Microsoft Flight Simulator (unreleased)
- Microsoft Links LS (unreleased)
- Midtown Madness (unreleased)
Xbox
- ToeJam & Earl III: Mission to Earth (2002)
- Exhibition (2002)
- Phantasy Star Online Episode I & II (2003) (as Microsoft Game Studios)
- Exhibition Volume 2 (2003)
- Exhibition Volume 4 (2003)
- Exhibition Volume 5 (2004)
- Exhibition Volume 6 (2004)
- OutRun 2 (2004)
- Exhibition Volume 7 (2004)
Nintendo DS
Xbox 360
- Rez HD (2008) (as Microsoft Game Studios)
- Bayonetta/Forza Motorsport 3 (2010)
Xbox One
- Halo Wars 2 (2017) (as Microsoft Studios)
- Age of Empires IV (2023) (as Xbox Game Studios)
Nintendo Switch
- Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (2018)
Windows PC
- Age of Empires IV (2021) (as Xbox Game Studios)
Steam
- Age of Empires IV (2021) (as Xbox Game Studios)