1st Logo
(1995-1999)



Logo: On a black background, we see a white laser carve the outline of the current Microsoft logo in white. Once the spark reaches the bottom of the "t," the outline suddenly becomes the full Microsoft text in white, then it shines and disappears with a bright flash.

FX/SFX: The laser carving, "Microsoft" appearing, the flash.

Music/Sounds: A loud, creepy phaser-like noise when the laser carves the "Microsoft" outline, followed by two pings, then a dreamy synth note when the Microsoft logo shines and disappears.

Availability: Should be on Windows 95 CDs and on game CDs from the era, such as some Magic School Bus games and Nickelodeon's 3D Movie Maker. I was seen on Monster Truck Madness, Hellbender and Deadly Tide.

Scare Factor: High, due to the loud phaser noise, black background and high-contrast colors.


2nd Logo
(Late 90's-Early 2000's)



Logo: On a space background, we see an unknown white planet. The camera pans to the planet, until the screen turns completely white, then Microsoft's current logo fades in, and zooms to us, then stops.

FX/SFX: "Microsoft" appearing.

Music/Sounds: A loud, dreamy synth which then becomes a fanfare.

Availability: Seen when you turn on games from the late 90's like Age Of Empires and Monster Truck Madness 2.

Scare Factor: Low, because of the loud music.


3rd Logo
(Early 2000's-)



Logo: On a smoky white background, a silver liquid orb rushes in, and black liquid crust starts to cover it. Suddenly they transform into a pack of water bubbles and black drops mixed together. They move across the screen, leaving the long trace. Then the black drops form the words GAME STUDIOS, and silver bubbles blast MICROSOFT above, also forming the x-shaped figure below. The logo zooms in a bit, then transforms into bubbles again, and leaves.

FX/SFX: The liquid bubbles moving and forming the Microsoft Game Studios logo.

Music/Sounds: A mix of various whooshing sounds with aerated water sound.

Availability: Seen when you turn on Viva Piñata and Halo 3 on the Xbox 360. It can be seen in Rise of Nations, Zoo Tycoon 2, Dungeon Siege 2 and other games for PC It can also be seen on games for Xbox like Halo and Project Gotham Racing 2.

Scare Factor: None.


3rd Logo
(2007- )



Logo: On a bright leaf-green, glowing background, we see many vague white particles. The camera zoom in to the MICROSOFT word being formed from these particles. A light streak appears and bumps into the half-completed word, making the big soft explosion. Then the words GAME STUDIOS appear below. Another two streaks appear, creating the x-shaped figure. The logo fades.

FX/SFX: The light effects and streaks.

Music/Sounds: TBA.

Availability: Uncommon. Can be seen on Gears of War.

Scare Factor: None.