Xbox Acquisition |OT| - So We’re Back to Making Lists, Huh?

[LiamS]

I think Microsofts focus isn’t on Japan.

I think they are focussing on South Korea as their way to get into Asia, with their partnership with SK telecom to push gamepass ultimate, them expecting to have 1 million gamepass ultimate subscribers in South Korea by, irrc 2025, getting full exclusivity for the crossfire X campaign (that cannot have been cheap, at all), which isn’t even coming to pc. Crossfire X is apparently huge in South Korea, so if your a fan you will have to either buy a console, or subscribe to gamepass ultimate.

Dont get me wrong, I don’t think Microsoft has abandoned japan, I think it just sees more opportunity in other Asian markets that they haven’t tried to break into before. In Japan people kinda know what xbox is, how it doesn’t have any Japanese games, shitty localisation, etc etc, it doesn’t matter that those things are improving, its the set expectation that has to be changed over time. People in South Korea don’t have those preconceived notion of what xbox/microsoft is in the gaming space.

I bet they make an acquisition in/for south korea then expand from there, maybe PUBG? its still huge in asia

[dinkeytom]

@LiamS

…t have been cheap, at all), which isn’t even coming to pc. Crossfire X is apparently huge in South Korea, so if your a fan you will have to either buy a console, or subscribe to gamepass ultimate. Dont get me wrong, I don’t think Microsoft has abandoned japan, I think it just sees more opportunity in other Asian markets that they haven’t tried to break into before. In Japan people kinda know what xbox is, how it doesn’t have any Japanese games, shitty localisation, etc etc, it doesn’t matter that those things are improving, its the set expectation that has to be changed over time. People in South Korea don’t have those preconceived notion of what xbox/microsoft is in the gaming space. I bet they make an acquisition in/for south korea then expand from there, maybe PUBG? its still huge in asia

Most of Asia favours PlayStation to XBox cause it was easier to import, but South Korea did ban Japanese goods at one point.

[Louay]

IF IO Interactive on the table then they should go for them i mean look at this

(6) HITMAN 3 - Under the Hood (Chongqing Location Reveal) - YouTube

[stealthyfrog]

@Louay

IF IO Interactive on the table then they should go for them i mean look at this

That James Bond project would be a big exclusive for Xbox

[anon80661078]

There’s no one answer for making inroads into the Asian markets. Surprisingly, I would argue that Xbox has a strong foothold in South Korea given their ties to PubG Corp, Smilegate and their various XCloud deals like with Samsung.

In regard to Japan, Xbox has been garnering more third-party support for the platform just short of the 360 era. They have strong ties to Sega, a studio of their own with Shinji Mikami at the helm, and are introducing the market from the top down to Game Pass as a viable option.

China I have absolutely no clue on. It seems like PlayStation was doing some good work over there with third-parties. As Phil said, this is the best Xbox has ever been positioned to tackle some of these regions. The ball is in their court and I think we will continue to see a large investment in this area mostly because these are mobile heavy audiences perfect for leveraging game streaming.

[ThereAreFourNaan]

@stealthyfrog

That James Bond project would be a big exclusive for Xbox

IO would take a long time to bear fruit since Hitman 3 is imminently launching and they have something else with WB. Their two new projects that are starting right now will be a good long while away. 007 is going to be 2024 if we’re lucky.

I think Hitman 3 and Freedom Fighters would be the only back catalogue titles you’d get ownership of. Hitman 3 being self published, and Freedom Fighters being self published on steam probably means that the ownership of that game is now fully with IOI. The whole rest of the Hitman franchise is Square Enix published, so you’d need to negotiate with them to get the game publishing rights if you wanted them for GP.

As a long term buy, that’s totally fine, although it doesn’t net you much short term. Microsoft’s long term prospects are already very strong. IMO it would be very easy for Microsoft to just negotiate Hitman 3 on Gamepass soon after launch. They already took an Epic deal on PC, so they’ll probably be amenable to, if not day one, then at least a “near launch” GP deal.

[stealthyfrog]

@ThereAreFourNaan

…if we’re lucky. I think Hitman 3 and Freedom Fighters would be the only back catalogue titles you’d get ownership of. Hitman 3 being self published, and Freedom Fighters being self published on steam probably means that the ownership of that game is now fully with IOI. The whole rest of the Hitman franchise is Square Enix published, so you’d need to negotiate with them to get the game publishing rights if you wanted them for GP. As a long term buy, that’s totally fine, although it doesn’t net you much short term. Microsoft’s long term prospects are already very strong. IMO it would be very easy for Microsoft to just negotiate Hitman 3 on Gamepass soon after launch. They already took an Epic deal on PC, so they’ll probably be amenable to, if not day one, then at least a “near launch” GP deal.

IOI would be a great acquisition for the talent I think. The Hitman games are some of the best stealth sandboxes this gen in a generation that could have used way more of that kind of game. Whatever they make next doesn’t need the Hitman name attached to be brilliant. And we see MS’s other acquisitions already taking their sweet time to bear fruit like Compulsion and Undead Labs.

[LucasTaves]

@giovane

…es of Nintendo Co. and Fanuc Corp. make the the broader, “noncore” list. (…)

(…) The steps are most likely to target foreign state-owned enterprises, with Chinese investment in the country a particular source of concern. Japan has said sovereign wealth funds that “pose no risk to national security” can also get an exemption, provided investment decisions are made without government interference.

The legislation also gives a framework for Japan to quickly protect industries of national concern, with Fujifilm Holdings Corp., the maker of potential coronavirus treatment Avigan, already on the core list. (…)

(…) Some 1,698 companies in industries not directly related to national security are entirely exempt from the reporting requirements, including firms in retailing, food, and finance.

If Nintendo is seen as non core then I guess any other publisher is a fair game.

Also, this was suggested by Trump to the Japanese government to prevent purchases from Chinese companies. I don’t think there’s any intention of blocking for example a US company to purchase a games publisher.

[nrXic]

@uouit_iyyur

First, I don’t see why Sony would buy Bluepoint, their studios are creative, they make new IP, they can reboot IP, Bluepoint can’t do it, they’re just good at remaster games, they don’t touch level design, they don’t create art direction, they just put better texture on an existing game. Demon’s souls boss are still very forgettable because Bluepoint don’t change them. Not a critic, they’re really good at their job but I don’t think Sony will acquire a studio who haven’t prove his quality on gameplay/level design/art side…

You are absolutely right about what Bluepoint is, but I think we can all agree that’s extremely valuable right now. Look at the fantastic sales of the Crash Bandicoot remake, which is open the door for a sequel. Look at the attention that BP’s remakes have gotten.

And look at one of the common themes of this thread, a lot of unused IP by Microsoft. What if there was a team that could do a Conkers Bad Fur Day remake that has a turnaround time of 12-14 months instead of 18-24? What if it looks like a Pixar movie on the latest and greatest consoles? There is an appetite for classic games that merely feature a fresh coat of paint.

So I think these sorts of developers are wise purchases for any company. Also, BP seems to be really good at what they do. I was really disappointed by the Halo: CE remake. There are examples of this endeavor being messed up, and BP does it right. Sony buys BP, good on them.

What makes them smart projects is the fact that the gameplay and IP are tried and true. It’s not a risky new endeavour, it’s a safe bet.

You know half the excitement for the Crash Trilogy Remake was not because it was the greatest game ever (IMO it was merely a serviceable 3D platformer) it was straight up nostalgia. And it affects the gaming media as much as gamers and so you’re going to see a lot of media hype surrounding these sorts of remakes.

Anyways, IMO these studios that do it well are must buys even if they don’t have their own IPs.

@Shadowgasm

Ultimately I think the Japanese games on Xbox situation will change with the new Xbox GDK. If they already have the game ported for PC, it theoretically should be a lot easier (and cost effective) to also port it to Xbox. I guess we’ll find out if that’s true.

There’s a bit of muddled info out there, that’s not how it works. You can choose to make a game for the PC any way you like. Sounds like if you’re making games for Xbox Series consoles you need to use it and it would in turn make a PC version straightforward after that.

[Marano]

r/GamingLeaksAndRumours - People Can Fly is developing two AAA games

MS not acquiring people can fly, if they are getting any polish studios still, I doubt it is cdpr, bloober or techland, might be some other team, but at this point if MS really wants a studio in poland I wouldnt put it past them to just build one there from the ground up, or they give up on the idea altogether, looking like they are not acquiring anyone there (unless it is the farm 51, but I still doubt it).

[anon80661078]

@Marano

MS not acquiring people can fly, if they are getting any polish studios still, I doubt it is cdpr, bloober or techland, might be some other team, but at this point if MS really wants a studio in poland I wouldnt put it past them to just build one there from the ground up, or they give up on the idea altogether, looking like they are not acquiring anyone there (unless it is the farm 51, but I still doubt it).

Why do you doubt those various studios?

[uouit_iyyur]

@Marano

MS not acquiring people can fly, if they are getting any polish studios still, I doubt it is cdpr, bloober or techland, might be some other team, but at this point if MS really wants a studio in poland I wouldnt put it past them to just build one there from the ground up, or they give up on the idea altogether, looking like they are not acquiring anyone there (unless it is the farm 51, but I still doubt it).

I think MS is not going to buy publicy traded studio in Poland so I think it is Techland or Farm51

[OneBadMutha]

@Marano

MS not acquiring people can fly, if they are getting any polish studios still, I doubt it is cdpr, bloober or techland, might be some other team, but at this point if MS really wants a studio in poland I wouldnt put it past them to just build one there from the ground up, or they give up on the idea altogether, looking like they are not acquiring anyone there (unless it is the farm 51, but I still doubt it).

Agree they’re not going after PCF. Techland has management issues so probably not a focus. Whoever Microsoft purchases, they need to have strong and stable leadership. Studio needs to be autonomous. As for Poland, might be a good spot for 2nd party projects which turn into more long term. I think the XGP is over-looked in terms of why Microsoft visits these studios and regions. A lot of rumors may sprout from when Microsoft is negotiating a partnership or 2nd party deal.

[NierlyCrazy (Alex)]

@Marano

MS not acquiring people can fly, if they are getting any polish studios still, I doubt it is cdpr, bloober or techland, might be some other team, but at this point if MS really wants a studio in poland I wouldnt put it past them to just build one there from the ground up, or they give up on the idea altogether, looking like they are not acquiring anyone there (unless it is the farm 51, but I still doubt it).

I still think Bloober is a possibility. Multiple companies are bidding on them, Microsoft would be dumb to not be going for them. They’ve already partnered for two games.

[Marano]

@NierlyCrazy

I still think Bloober is a possibility. Multiple companies are bidding on them, Microsoft would be dumb to not be going for them. They’ve already partnered for two games.

That is why I dont think bloober is possible, public company and multiple potential buyers. Dont get me wrong, I think MS would like to get them, but not enough to get in on a bidding war for them and I am glad that is the case, I dont want them getting on that bidding war for bloober. CDPR and techland I dont even need to explain why they are not happening.

3 possibilities: Farm 51 (or someone smaller), build a studio, forget poland. I think they should still invest in polish studios though.

[dfunktjester]

@Marano

...**techland** I dont even need to explain why they are not happening.

[DeoGame]

Fuck it, I’m too groggy to play games right now. Let’s take a look at some of the major markets and the devs/publishers available in each, shall we?

The criteria is as follows: Not publically listed, not owned by another publically listed gaming firm (investment firm is fine), even partially with a few exception elaborated on below and at minimum a decent reputation.

Major International Firms

Embracer Group (THQ Nordic, Deep Silver, a shitton of other studios)

Focus Home Interactive

Level-5

SEGA

Smilegate

Square Enix Europe (Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal, etc.)

Sumo Group

Valve

Virtuous (Good team of support studios and asset/animation creators)

WB Interactive

United States of America:

3D Realms

Armature Studio

Aspyr (mostly Mac ports though)

Bungie

Bluepoint

Deck Nine

Farsight Studios (pinball)

Forgotten Empires (I think. I have no idea what is going on between it and World’s Edge whether they are the same)

Gearbox

Harmonix

Iron Galaxy

Jackbox Games

Panic Button

The Tetris Company

ThatGameCompany

Turtle Rock

WayForward

Yacht Club Games

Canada:

Behaviour Interactive

Drinkbox Studios

Extremely OK Games (Formerly Matt Makes Games, developers of Celeste)

HB Studios

Next Level Games

Phoenix Labs

Skybox Labs

Studio MDHR

Tribute Games

Japan:

Arc System Works

Camelot Software Planning

Dimps

Grasshopper Manufacture

Idea Factory

Inti Creates

JP Games

Kemco (Lots of games at a minimum, they have their fans)

Kojima Productions

Mistwalker

Natsume

Platinum Games

RED Entertainment

tri-Ace

tri-Crescendo

Valhalla Game Studios

White Owls

Yuke’s

United Kingdom:

4J Studios

Bossa Studios

Chucklefish

FacePunch Studios

Hello Games

Interior/Night

Mediatonic

Playtonic

Rebellion Developments

A Sam Barlow studio

Supermassive Games

Team17

Poland:

The Astronauts

The Farm 51

One More Level

Techland

Teyon

Thing Trunk

Vavel Games

Rest of Europe

Asobo

The Bearded Ladies

Bohemia Interactive

Crytek

Frictional Games

Frogwares

Frozenbytes

GSC Gameworld

Housemarque

IO Interactive

Mercury Steam

Mimimi Games (They did Desperados 3)

Moon Studios (if willing)

Naps Team

Pendulo Studios

Quantic Dream

Slipgate Ironworks

Starbreeze Studios

Two Tribes

Wargaming

China

FYQD

Game Science

Mihoyo

Perfect World Games

South Korea

Blueside Inc.

ESA

Pearl Abyss

Phantagram

Miscellaneous

ACE TEAM (Chile)

Big Ant Studios (Australia)

Krome Studios (Australia)

Tantalus Media (Australia)

Wicked Witch Software (Australia)

[Louay]

@DeoGame

…efish FacePunch Studios Hello Games Interior/Night Mediatonic Playtonic Rebellion Developments A Sam Barlow studio Supermassive Games Team17 Poland: The Astronauts The Farm 51 One More Level Techland Teyon Thing Trunk Vavel Games Rest of Europe Asobo The Bearded Ladies Bohemia Interactive Crytek Frictional Games Frogwares Frozenbytes GSC Gameworld Housemarque IO Interactive Mercury Steam Mimimi Games (They did Desperados 3) Moon Studios (if willing) Naps Team Pendulo Studios Quantic Dream Slipgate Ironworks Starbreeze Studios Two Tribes Wargaming China FYQD Game Science Mihoyo Perfect World Games South Korea Blueside Inc. ESA Pearl Abyss Phantagram Miscellaneous ACE TEAM (Chile) Big Ant Studios (Australia) Krome Studios (Australia) Tantalus Media (Australia) Wicked Witch Software (Australia)

[uouit_iyyur]

@DeoGame

…efish FacePunch Studios Hello Games Interior/Night Mediatonic Playtonic Rebellion Developments A Sam Barlow studio Supermassive Games Team17 Poland: The Astronauts The Farm 51 One More Level Techland Teyon Thing Trunk Vavel Games Rest of Europe Asobo The Bearded Ladies Bohemia Interactive Crytek Frictional Games Frogwares Frozenbytes GSC Gameworld Housemarque IO Interactive Mercury Steam Mimimi Games (They did Desperados 3) Moon Studios (if willing) Naps Team Pendulo Studios Quantic Dream Slipgate Ironworks Starbreeze Studios Two Tribes Wargaming China FYQD Game Science Mihoyo Perfect World Games South Korea Blueside Inc. ESA Pearl Abyss Phantagram Miscellaneous ACE TEAM (Chile) Big Ant Studios (Australia) Krome Studios (Australia) Tantalus Media (Australia) Wicked Witch Software (Australia)

Great list, if I could choose, I will take :

• SEGA or at least Relic
• Bungie or Turtle Rock if they can’t have Bungie
• Valhalla Game Studios
• White Owls
• Hello Games
• Techland or GSC Gameworld if Stalker 2 is good
• Asobo

because they have history with MS and they are talented dev

[peter42O]

Hmmmmmmm, “too groggy” huh DeoGame? I don’t know man. You seem pretty alert to be typing out that long ass list. lmao.