I just don’t see much quality coming from Sega. their studios feel like indie mobile studios. They have huge IPs and their studios are just not able like Capcom either to make new versions or continue their big series. Sure, the games don’t need to be triple A but they’re not oozing quality. I find it problematic when they can’t even develop or remaster streets of rage series. Atlus and the Yakuza team are fine, but they are still not invigorating the industry.
If either Capcom or Sega were acquired maybe regulators would require the games to still be multiplatform. Maybe they wouldn’t. Either way its probably not a dealbreaker since MS wants to bring games to more people. As long as the games came to Game Pass i think they would be fine with it
Also i dont understand why you said they dont have multiplayer games when Monster Hunter is a huge hit(which you pointed out) and Sega has 10 million registered players in Phantasy Star Online 2
And regarding mobile the Sonic franchise has like 2 billion downloads.
Also i would add having the Sonic IP on Game Pass would be huge. You would get kids hooked on Game Pass at a young age every year and presumably they would stay on the subscription as they get older.
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Sega just lacks the studios to revitalize some of their old IPs like Capcom has done.
One smaller mobile company that Microsoft should look at acquiring and is US based is Disruptor Beam. They are a private company and have worked on a number of successful mobile games for popular franchises like The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones and Star Trek.
Put them to work on turning Microsofts popular IPs into mobile games.
Another is the California based Super Evil Megacorp. They apecialize in MOBA mobile games which Xbox doesnt have today. Also can they just do it for the memes
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That name will have regulators rushing to read them the riot act.
lol
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You are so hard on SEGA. They are better than you claim I think you are just not the audience lol
Anyway, I don’t see any other Japanese publishers (other than SEGA and Capcom) likely to join Xbox, and we don’t know these two will be interested in a merger. These are just theories based on Xbox’s needs (admitted in interviews) and the current market.
I also don’t see Xbox acquiring another big Western (video game) publisher after ABK. I think Microsoft could possibly try to acquire Ubisoft with concessions (Assassin’s Creed) and drawing attention to the possibility that Tencent could take over the company if regulators do not approve the deal. I think there is a possibility that this strategy is already in place (it is likely that Ubisoft and Microsoft were already in negotiations before ABK), but no certainty on that.
So, I don’t know what you think, but from my point of view, 3 strategies seem to be emerging from 2024 (for the next big acquisition):
- An acquisition in Japan with Capcom or SEGA.
- Western consolidation with Ubisoft (huge gain for a ridiculous price).
- Entering the film and TV industry with WBD (or Disney if they want to hit it hard), but I don’t know yet if Microsoft is interested in this industry.
I think that if a new big acquisition takes place, it will concern these few publishers (SEGA, Capcom, Ubisoft, WBD). I don’t count small publishers like CDPR or Paradox among “big acquisitions”. So yes, if the acquisitions in Japan fail, it is possible that Microsoft will continue to consolidate in the West in several ways (and it can also do so with independent studios of course).
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I feel like we been caught in the “Capcom is better, justify why Sega” cycle for like 3 years.
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You
You damn right I’m hard on Sega (Pause). Looking at what they once were and to what they are now is like night and day Not saying they aren’t good just to me their IPs are worth more than them at this time anyway. Also, most here that want Sega, tend to want them for the IPs. I just think Sega needs rebuilding like Capcom did. I agree no more western publisher. I don’t think Microsoft will try to acquire Ubisoft. The Ubisoft workforce is too much for anyone. The monopsony argument will surface again, and Microsoft is letting go of 10,000 I doubt they want an additional 20,000 plus. I think with Ubisoft they will or could sign a partnership deal to have as much staff available collaborate with Xbox studios like contractors just in the same fashion with Crystal Dynamics and The Initiative. I think rather than an acquisition in Japan Microsoft is looking at Asia as a whole. I definitely think Sega is in their plan. Capcom, I don’t see. They have been working closely with Sega and Bandai Namco and these 2 publishers have had marketing deal with Xbox. They also seem to be mending relationship with Level 5. Ubisoft, I don’t see happening. Entering the film industry sounds right. WBD seems to be the troubled one and that’s where I bet, they’ll go. Rumor is Apple is targeting Disney. You forgot Crytek. I think they will try for Sega in Japan and maybe Blueside in South Korea. They have also talked about having studios in Africa, India and all over the world. I think if Microsoft could, they would just acquire the SONIC IP
I just don’t think Capcom is likely to sell, which takes them off the table. Every major acquisition has been a company that was lacking somewhere or needed resources to make the most of themselves.
Capcom is at the top of their game. They are unlikely to sell for a reasonable price.
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Just gonna say, Level 5 announced an absolute trove of games on the last Nintendo Direct and every one of them is skipping Xbox lol.
Understandably so but they are more open to Xbox after how many years since they got burnt by Xbox with the cancelled True fantasy online. This is also one of the reasons I prefer Korea. They haven’t burnt any bridges there.
Platinum is so obviously a good fit that it won’t happen.
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What is your reasoning behind your claim?
Half of their games are awful
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Platinum would be an excellent get no matter what the haters claim. Xbox owning both Platinum Games and Tango gameworks together would basically mean they own "Clover Studios " the same way they basically own “Interplay Black Isle” with Inxile and Obsidian. Really can’t roll my eyes any harder at people who try to push the narrative that they aren’t a good studio with all the talent there.
Problem is taking on too many projects and chasing trends. Two things they wouldn’t have to do under Xbox with Gamepass being a thing.
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Agreed. Platinum would do well when they aren’t constantly working like mercenaries for hire. let the whole studio focus on 1 or 2 projects and not 5 or more and they will show promise.
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I hope Microsoft picks some of these developers up. Would be a great fit for Tango Gameworks.
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That is sad to see the Aragomi series were good games with a great little team behind them in a area (south america) that Xbox needs to grow they were a team on my list, gotta imagine this deal could get done for Xbox for under 50 million. Small team for sure around 20 and definitely in need of a new engine but talented and passionate without question. Kind of curious, this is the ideal scenario for a embracer or focus acquisition 
thanks for sharing GamingFirefighter 
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I doubt that everyone seems to be cutting back. Perhaps now would be a good time to be or act as support studios.