Monolith Soft Fully Acquired by Nintendo: A New Chapter for Xenoblade Chronicles
In a significant development for the gaming world, Monolith Soft, the studio behind the beloved Xenoblade Chronicles series, is now fully owned by Nintendo. This acquisition marks the culmination of a long-standing partnership between the two entities, as Nintendo has reportedly purchased the remaining shares of Monolith Soft that it did not previously own.
Founded in 1999 by Tetsuya Takahashi, the creator of Xenogears, Monolith Soft began its journey with a strong focus on role-playing games. The studio's collaboration with Nintendo took off with the release of Xenoblade Chronicles on the original Wii, which set the stage for a fruitful relationship. Over the years, Nintendo gradually increased its stake in Monolith Soft:
2007: Nintendo acquired 80% of Monolith's shares from Namco.
2011: This stake was raised to 96%.
The remaining 4% was held by founders Hirohide Sugiura, Tetsuya Takahashi, and Yasuyuki Honne.
Impact of the Acquisition
While this news solidifies Nintendo's ownership, it is unlikely to bring about major changes for Monolith Soft. The studio has been instrumental in developing not only the Xenoblade Chronicles franchise but also other major Nintendo titles, including:
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Tears of the Kingdom
Monolith Soft's expertise has made it a vital contributor to Nintendo's first-party game development.
Upcoming Release: Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition
Looking ahead, Monolith Soft is set to release Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition on March 20, 2025. This remastered version of the original Wii U game, which debuted in 2015, promises to deliver enhanced visuals and an alternate post-credit scene featuring a mysterious hooded figure. This addition could potentially connect the game more closely with the overarching Xenoblade narrative.
What are your thoughts on Monolith Soft's full acquisition by Nintendo? How do you think this will affect future Xenoblade Chronicles titles? Share your opinions in the comments below!
