Microsoft Corporation Files Trademark For Battletoads

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Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) has filed a trademark application for Battletoads, hinting at the revival of the series, but nothing has been confirmed officially as of now. A report from NeoGAF said that the trademark was filed with the United States Patent & Trademark Office on Nov. 5 for  “game software” and “online video games.”

Suspense over Microsoft’s next move

British developer Rare created the Battletoads series for NES in 1991. Microsoft took over Rare in 2002, and the Battletoads series has been in hibernation for many years now. There might be a possibility that Microsoft is planning to revive the series, however, there are a good chances that the software giant might just be shielding the name to use it in the future. A Microsoft representative told GameSpot that the company “often acquires various trademarks as part of its ongoing business strategy, but beyond that we have no comment.”

There was no comment from the spokesman on if the company is working on bringing the title back to life by creating a new Battletoads game. According to industry watchers, Microsoft has a habit of acquiring trademarks as a part of its business strategy, but details beyond that are really scant. Microsoft could possibly want to safeguard the exclusivity of Battletoads, which could be a good fit for the Xbox platform. Microsoft will take the gaming industry by surprise if it finally decides to launch Battletoads.

Battletoads popular among players

Battletoads was created to rake in profits by offering something similar to the hugely popular Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the late 80s and early 90s. In the game, players control one of three of eponymous toads while they advance beyond all the hurdles to save their fourth brother and a fabled princess. Despite being one of the most difficult games of all time, it was hugely popular. Some players were left with no choice but to quit the game midway due to its sheer difficulty level.

Only recently, one gaming reporters ranked the game as number one in the list of the top five video game franchises that should return to advanced consoles, says a report from Forbes. The game is not only famous for its “legendarily difficulty,” but has also gained the status of a “cultural touchstone” among game lovers.

“It’s a game that everyone can attest to both loving and hating at the same time,” says the report.

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