Xbox Game Studio The Initiative has several new hires from BioWare, Naughty Dog, Respawn and more
By Samuel Tolbert last updated
Just what is this team up to?

What you need to know
- The Initiative is a studio in Xbox Game Studios that was revealed in 2018.
- The team is working on an unknown project at this time.
- Several new developers have joined, having previously worked at studios like BioWare and Naughty Dog.
The Initiative is a new studio being built as part of Xbox Game Studios. First revealed at E3 2018 as being led by Darrell Gallagher, this team has made headlines for how several talented developers have joined, including developers with experience working at studios like Crystal Dynamics and Sony Santa Monica.
We've learned via a post on LinkedIn (opens in new tab) that several new hires have joined The Initiative. Studio head Darrell Gallagher made the announcement and of the 16 new members of The Initiative, several previously worked at high-profile studios such as BioWare, Naughty Dog and Respawn Entertainment.
Several high-profile Xbox exclusives from teams at Xbox Game Studios have been unveiled, such as State of Decay 3, Avowed and Fable from Undead Labs, Obsidian Entertainment and Playground Games respectively. We still don't know what this team is working on though. Previous listings have indicated it might be a game that has camera systems and gadgets for use in gameplay.
Whatever this game ends up being, it might even join the ranks of the best Xbox One games, assuming of course that it's a cross-generation title, which isn't guaranteed, as it may be exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC. Like all Xbox Game Studios titles, it'll be available in Xbox Game Pass.
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Xbox Series X/S
Main
- Xbox Series X: Everything we know
- Best games coming to Xbox Series X/S
- List of Xbox Series X specs
- What is the Xbox Series X release date?
- How much does Xbox Series X cost?
- Why you can't preorder Xbox Series X yet
- Best Xbox Series X Headsets
Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.
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I really don't care who works there, I care about the games they are making.
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This, 100% this. We literally have nothing from this studio for over 2 years. Not even a teaser image of a potential game idea, nothing. Hell their own website hasn't had a news update since 2018.
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Looks like they have the tools to create some really great games. Now take your time like all the other great games and make it right. Make it a must have system seller (or Gamepass seller..)
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Microsoft's story-driven title is on the way.
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