So when Microsoft means casual games, they mean the biggest IP in existence? I guess that’s one way to look at it. Guess that means they need to buy Activision, EA, and Take Two?
I see it as games accessible and of interest to a wide audience, with the goal of getting them closer to their “2 billion gamers”. COD is not that, it is a very successful hardcore game.
Not sure how COD is hardcore.
I think he should start by leveraging better Minecraft for Xbox. XD
I don’t quite understand comments like this…well the CDPR part I do…but… that is more so due to the nature of their work environment than their ability.
If MS buys something they have done ample due diligence and decided that it absolutely ISNT a waste of money. That isn’t a guarantee that it works out, but they believe it will. And if it doesn’t, they have so much money it doesn’t matter (coughtnokiacough).
Not to mention, why is anyone worried about MS’ money? If there is a financial justification, and they believe they can make money off a purchase or multiple purchases, there isn’t some arbitrary limit to what they will spend. They literally bought four studios and launched a fifth one at once and later bought an entire publisher… there isnt some scenario where they go “oop, well we bought bungie…again…can’t buy anyone else now”
This isn’t a “if this than not that” situation. If its for sale, it is a fit, and MS wants it…they will buy it.
Now if the argument is “I would prefer someone else more in line with my own tastes”, fair enough.
I think so too. Matt Booty mentioned Minecraft Dungeons proved how successful spinoffs could be and I think we will see some of those come exclusive to xbox and PC/Steam.
Have you EVER played a fucking COD game my dude?!
We kind of have strayed off topic with definitions and all.
@Searsy82 I just think that there are other priorities and gaps that should be addressed before Bungie of all studios. Im not outright against them I just wouldn’t do it unless somebody else is hell bent on getting them and they give xbox a shot to swoop in.
Just low priority I reckon in terms of need if I was carrying a checklist lol.
nods approvingly
Word. I can buy in on that.
I’ve played every COD game lol. They aren’t hardcore. It’s the most casual, least skilled shooter there is, filled with noobs and non-gamers galore. But as redd said now OT so I’ll refrain.
It’s the last multiplatform shooter more popular on console than pc, only that is very telling. XD
How about behaviour? They have made several games before of different genres
Aswell they have worked as a support studio for several games from xbox and bethesda(fallout 4, dishonored, gears 5, halo mcc, etc)
Also they have made one of the best games ever made, doritos crash course
Rumored to be doing a project for xbox so lets see if thats true first.
Casual market biggest pub be ea. Sims is huge esp on pc, bioware, sports, side scrollers. Activision Microsoft will not touch with all the investigations. Ea though is now a fortune 500 club they like autonomy.
Quick points from Sarah Bond on acquisition strategy:
Teams are always approaching them.
They are looking for fits where they feel there is a mutual benefit for them and the studios.
(I have to rewatch this when it’s over to actually summarize this better but I thought I would post these quick points. Yet another confirmation that more acquisitions are coming but that they don’t just acquire anyone they can.)
Do you have a link to it?
Sarah Bond on acquisitions.
Asked about how Xbox’s acquisition strategy has changed due to the valuation environment and competitiveness in M&A.
Sarah:
• Always believed that gaming was undervalued historically.
• Seeing others waking up to the value and power of games is a real confirmation of Xbox’s acquisition Strategy.
• Believe in value and power of games is basis of Gamepass and enabled them to do acquisitions. Encourages them to keep going and is affirmation that they are 100% on the right track in investing in gaming.
Jokingly asked about who they will buy next
Sarah:
• Really proud of the acquisition they allready made and their contributions personal favorite by Sarah is Psychonauts 2.
• Looking for a fit. Teams approach them and they are are always open for conversations.
• Acquisition should add value for both teams, mutual fit that accelerates what Xbox are doing in making it possible to play games across devices and what the individual team is looking to create with their IP and their vision.
This gotta be big d1ck energy. You don’t approach them, they do 
I thought her answer on how mobile fits into Xbox was really illuminating. Doesn’t seem like they have mobile game ambitions, they just want people to be able to play anywhere, pointed to COD, fortnite as examples of what they would like to do, just without having mobile specific versions, they want to enable developers to make their game go across platforms without different games being developed.
Her answers much more eloquent if anyone has a transcript.
Interview starts at 4:31:55. I can’t Timestamp it yet because it’s still live.