Nintendo Completes Acquisition of Xenoblade Chronicles Developer Monolith Soft

Nintendo Completes Acquisition of Monolith Soft

In a significant development for gaming enthusiasts, Nintendo has finalized its acquisition of Monolith Soft, the esteemed developer behind the acclaimed Xenoblade Chronicles series. The Japanese gaming titan has reportedly acquired the remaining shares of the company that it did not previously hold, now resulting in Nintendo owning 100% of Monolith Soft.

According to a report by Automaton, this pivotal change in ownership was confirmed on the studio’s official website. Monolith Soft, established in 1999 by Tetsuya Takahashi, the visionary behind Xenogears, has forged a strong partnership with Nintendo since the release of Xenoblade Chronicles for the Wii. Initiating with an 80% acquisition from Namco in 2007, Nintendo increased its stake to 96% by 2011, while the remaining 4% was retained by Takahashi and co-founders Hirohide Sugiura and Yasuyuki Honne.

Impact on Monolith Soft’s Operations

Despite the completion of this acquisition, it is unlikely to result in significant changes for Monolith Soft’s operations. The studio has been a vital contributor to several major Nintendo franchises, including its own Xenoblade series, and has also played a critical role in the creation of other high-profile titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. Monolith Soft’s deep integration into Nintendo’s development ecosystem underlines its importance in the company’s gaming strategy.

Upcoming Releases

Looking ahead, Monolith Soft is set to launch Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, a revamped version of the open-world RPG originally released on Wii U in 2015. Scheduled for release on March 20, 2025, this definitive edition promises enhanced graphics and gameplay, alongside an intriguing alternate post-credit scene featuring a mysterious hooded figure, potentially linking this installment to the broader Xenoblade narrative.

This acquisition marks a continued investment by Nintendo in nurturing its internal studios and strengthening franchises that have become iconic in the gaming landscape.

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