Does Microsoft own the Black & White IP?

ElkWa · Apr 7, 2023

Hi there, I'm curious to find confirmation to the burning question that many lovers of the god-game Black & White from the now defunct Lionhead Studios would like to know- Which is... Does Black and white belong to Microsoft, or EA?

At the moment, most fans of this game presume EA as they are the publishers, but there's a lot of murmurs that the game actually belongs to microsoft after the lionhead buyout. So, what's the situation here?

I am mainly asking, as I'd like to know where I could further direct inquiries about the state of the game and if there would ever be any possibility to remaster it (aka fix bugs that make it near-unplayable on modern systems) and rerelease it digitally. If EA is the owner, then I would attempt and move on to request it there and see how long hounding them about it would work. If it's microsoft, then well, same thing. Would love to not have to deal with a lot of hassle to get my old discs to run again.

:)

Ben4724

Hi! My name is Ben an Independent Advisor and Xbox gamer. Hope you are doing well!

I understand the confusion when it comes to this game Black and White. Originally yes it was published by Lionhead studios but not really Microsoft. It was published to be played originally on Microsoft Windows device in 2001.

Black & White is a god video game developed by Lionhead Studios and published by Electronic Arts for Microsoft Windows in 2001 and by Feral Interactive in 2002 for Mac OS.

For the game support, you may submit a report to EA Games via https://www.ea.com/en-gb/games/black-and-white you will see the game here just click on it and choose "Support" to submit further inquiry with the game.

Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

I hope the information helps somehow. Feel free to let us know if you have further questions and we will try with the best of our knowledge to assist.

Kind regards,

Ben

Viperman

All I ever wanted was for Black & White 1 and 2 to be ported to XBLA. Hopefully Lionhead studios still owns the sole rights to that IP and it could happen someday. I wouldn't even care if it had a HD remake. Black & White was a better game for me than
Fable. IMO!

Cheers!

Auswulf

Well it is considered warranty voiding but you could always buy a white shell for a standard black one and make your own special edition white controller. You could also paint the black shell a whit colour or apply a white skin.

SasoDuck

Does the black + with the white outline indicative of German planes count?

PetryBosch

a white console always looks great (I still own a white x360 and xbox one).

But black always blends in easier with the rest of the other equipment (settopbox etc.)

Does Microsoft own the Black & White IP?