In light of Microsoft’s decision to join forces with Facebook Gaming, Facebook acquired multiple game developers, including Ready at Dawn’s acquisition on Monday and Sanzaru Games in February, which could signal an exclusivity deal.
Microsoft shut down streaming platform Mixer on Monday in favor of apartnership with Facebook. The move sends some significant signals regarding how the two will operate together in years to come.
Any potential developments in Facebook and Microsoft’s partnership heading into the next generation of consoles might suggest a tighter bond between social media and interactive media. There aren’t many details regarding theXbox Series X‘s library of apps, though it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see a more sophisticated Facebook app. Even now, Facebook’s Microsoft apps may get major facelifts on Xbox One and other Microsoft devices.
Facebook acquired Ready at Dawn on Monday, according to theOculus Blog, as mentioned previously. The developer worked on Oculus Platform gamesLone Echo, Echo Combat,andEchoArenaon PC. The company is now working onLone Echo II.
Ready at Dawn developed numerous PlayStation platform exclusives in the past. These include PlayStation Portable titlesDaxter,God of War: Chains of Olympus, andGod of War: Ghost Sparta.Further, Ready at Dawn designedThe Order: 1886on PlayStation 4.
It’s unknown how long the deal between Microsoft and Facebook has been in the works, but the timing of Ready at Dawn’s acquisition is curious. It may be a mere coincidence and Facebook and Ready at Dawn were ready to seal the deal for a while. However, it is interesting that this acquisition occurs on the day of Microsoft and Facebook’s official partnership announcement.
A spokesperson told Digital Trends the “timing of these announcements is not indicative of future partnerships,” though Ready at Dawn will “continue to build amazing game experiences” with Facebook and Oculus’ support.
Moreover,FacebookacquiredSanzaru Gamesin early 2020. Sanzaru Games is the developer behind the Sly Cooper franchise on PlayStation platforms, as well as theSpyro Reignited Trilogy. The developer’s most recent title wasAsgard’s Wrathfor Oculus Rift.
Sanzaru Games’ acquisition was slightly less recently, so it was likely unrelated. However, now that the tech and social media giants have joined forces, game development could be influenced by the partnership.
Nothing beyond Microsoft and Facebook’s partnership has been announced yet, including tentative game development. However, their cooperative approach will be something worth watching.
Updated on June 28, 2025: Added statement from a Facebook spokesperson.
