Episode 4: Bungie (with Xbox Co-Founder Ed Fries)

This episode of the Acquired podcast features an interview with Ed Fries, a key figure in Microsoft's acquisition of Bungie and the launch of Halo. The discussion covers the acquisition process, the challenges and successes of integrating Bungie into Microsoft, the development of Halo, and the eventual spin-off of Bungie. Fries highlights the importance of preserving Bungie's unique culture and the crucial role of Halo in the success of the Xbox. A key takeaway is the significance of people and culture in successful acquisitions, particularly in creative industries. The episode also emphasizes the cyclical nature of market consolidation and the importance of adapting to platform shifts in technology.