It’s not clear what happened with the Sega acquisition and whether Nadella ultimately approved talks. But in a Microsoft internal April 2021 merger review document, Sega was still listed as a key target. Microsoft had identified key areas for acquisitions in PC, mobile, and console across different markets, and Sega, Bungie, Zynga, and IO Interactive were part of a number of companies Microsoft was seriously looking at acquiring.
Gross. Keep your hands off of Sega, Microsoft… I like their games, and your track record of developing games has been lousy since the 360 days. Plus, you know, the whole market consolidation thing…
Honestly I’m pretty sad even about the Bungie-Sony acquisition. I assume it was the first step in Sony refocusing to live service, with more than half of the SIE budget being allocated for them right now.
Microsoft out here treating studios like most of us treat new games on Steam. Acquire them and then never do anything with them.
I just hope they’re done acquiring publishers after ATVI; they have enough studios. I get how unlikely that is.
