Microsoft previously considered buying Sega, Bungie, IO Interactive and several other big studios and game companies, according to newly discovered internal documents.
As part of Microsoft’s ongoing FTC trial, new emails from November 2020 have been spotted suggesting that Microsoft is keen to approach multiple game studios, including Sonic owner Sega, about possible acquisitions. indicates that
Microsoft considers acquisition of Sega for the purpose of “accelerating Xbox Game Pass”
Xbox chief Phil Spencer has sent letters to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood asking for approval to approach Sega Sammy “regarding a possible acquisition of Sega’s game studio.” . In email it looks like this: The VergeSpencer said Sega has built a “balanced portfolio of games across segments with global geographic appeal,” and that the acquisition of Sega’s game portfolio will bring “on-console and Xbox Game Pass connectivity.” It helps accelerate both off-console.”
Later in the email, Spencer said, “Sega is the most attractive next acquisition due to its global PC catalog, mobile presence in Asia, and global brand affinity on consoles through classic IP. It’s a target,” he added.
It’s unclear if Nadella approved Spencer’s request to approach Sega, but Sega was still the primary target in Microsoft’s internal merger and acquisition documents for 2021. The following companies were also placed on Microsoft’s “final watchlist” of acquisition candidates:
- thunder
- Supergiant game
- IOInteractive
- Niantic
- playricks
- Zinga
- bungee
- Scopely
Of course, in the case of Bungie and Zynga, Bungie was acquired by Sony in 2022, and Zynga ended up merging with Take-Two.
Microsoft’s FTC trial says The Elder Scrolls 6 won’t come out until 2028 at the earliest, according to Phil Spencer. acquired Bethesda to prevent Starfield from going illegal. PlayStation exclusive.