Jun 27, 2023 11:20:00

Clearly from the materials of the hearing on the acquisition of Activision Blizzard that Microsoft was aiming to acquire Sega

In January 2022, Microsoft

announced that it would acquire Activision Blizzard , a major game maker known for ' Call of Duty ', ' Diablo ' and ' Overwatch '. From the materials released at the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Microsoft's public hearing, which is moving to prevent this acquisition, it became clear that 'Microsoft was considering acquiring Sega .'

Microsoft considered acquiring Bungie and Sega, internal emails show - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/26/23774482/microsoft-sega-bungie-acquisition-targets-internal-email-xbox

Xbox Emails Show It Had Plans To Buy Sega And Bungie
https://kotaku.com/xbox-microsoft-deal-merger-sega-bungie-emails-niantic-1850579087

The FTC, which oversees and monitors antitrust laws (antitrust laws), is reviewing the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, which owns the popular game console brand Xbox , and will block the acquisition of Activision Blizzard in November 2022. filed a lawsuit against Microsoft. 'Once Microsoft acquires Activision Blizzard, the company will be able to stifle competitors in Xbox and the rapidly growing subscription content (Xbox Game Pass) and cloud gaming services ,' the FTC said. claim.

Federal Trade Commission sues to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard - GIGAZINE

In order to complete the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has made concessions such as signing a contract to provide Xbox games to competing Nintendo and NVIDIA . But in June 2023, the FTC finally filed an interim and preliminary injunction to block the takeover.

Federal Trade Commission applies for injunction to block Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard - GIGAZINE

From Microsoft's internal materials released at the public hearing between Microsoft and the FTC regarding the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, it became clear that 'Microsoft was once considering the acquisition of Sega.'

The following email, obtained by overseas media The Verga, was sent in November 2020 by Phil Spencer , the head of Xbox, to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood . In the email, Spencer seeks strategic approval for his approach to Sega Sammy, which it may buy Sega's game studio.

'Sega has built a balanced game portfolio across segments with global geographic appeal, which we believe will help accelerate Xbox Game Pass on and off consoles,' said Spencer. The global appeal of Sega's popular IP will help us expand Xbox Game Pass's reach to new customers around the world, especially in Asia, where localized content is critical to its success.' increase.

It is unclear whether the Sega acquisition was eventually approved or if the story progressed further, but an internal document in April 2021 said that Sega was still listed as a 'major acquisition candidate'. In November 2021, Sega and Microsoft announced that they would consider a strategic alliance with regard to ``creating next-generation strategic titles and building a next-generation development environment''.

Also, it seems that Bungie , known for ' Destiny ', was among the companies that were named as acquisition candidates other than Sega. Bungee was acquired by Microsoft in 2000, but in 2007 it transferred part of its stock and IP to Microsoft and became independent again, so game media Kotaku said, 'Maybe the funniest company on the list.' pointed out.

In January 2022, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) announced the acquisition of Bungee, and the acquisition was completed in July of the same year.