Made public by Take-Two recently was the announcement that they had acquired Indie Build (Amped, Links) located in Salt Lake City and Paris-based Power and Magic Developments (Top Spin) from Microsoft. It is unknown whether the companies would be published under the Rockstar Games, Gathering, or Global Star label. This sale was finalized sometime between August and September.

This latest move is likely the last in a year that has seen Microsoft Game Studios cut back on its internal development sharply, likely an attempt to make the division profitable. First, in February, Microsoft cancelled development on the PC MMORPG Mythica (the same that Mythic Entertainment had sued Microsoft over its title). Then in March, they renounced the publishing rights for both Psychonauts and Oddworld Stranger (which have since been picked up by Double-fine Productions and Electronic Arts, respectively). Then, in June, Microsoft cancelled its Xbox MMORPG True Fantasy Live Online. Finally, in August they eliminated their XSN Sports Department responsible for NFL Fever, NHL Rivals and Inside Drive and likely sold Indie Build and Power and Magic Developments at about the same time.