Short answers, pulled from the story.
Microsoft Game Studios was established in March 2000 when a quiet division within Microsoft transformed into a global publishing powerhouse. The division was renamed Microsoft Games in March 2000, coinciding with the public announcement of the first Xbox console.
Microsoft acquired Bungie in June 2000 to transform a struggling console project into a cultural phenomenon. This purchase ensured that Halo: Combat Evolved would become a launch title for the Xbox in 2001.
Microsoft Game Studios acquired Rare in September 2002 to bring rights to beloved franchises like Banjo-Kazooie and Killer Instinct. This move signaled Microsoft's intent to compete directly with Sony and Nintendo.
The division quietly renamed itself Microsoft Studios by 2011 to reflect a broader shift in Microsoft's corporate identity and gaming strategy. Phil Spencer was named the new head of Microsoft Studios under Satya Nadella's direction in 2014.
Microsoft completed the acquisition of Mojang in November 2014 after beginning negotiations in late 2014. The deal saw Microsoft spend $2.5 billion to acquire the studio behind Minecraft.