Now that is something quite interesting. Like you said expanding or taking the business to the next level is a problem that a lot of publishers maybe even Sony has. It’s possible CDPR could indeed be bought or go under in the next 10 years.
Presumably they could get that from Nintendo when they buyout Nintendos shares. Lets say for instance that Nintendo wanted to take it to Playstation/Sony and further cement their position buy buying a big publisher themselves.
They could take the profits from the sales of The Pokemon Company and purchase say Capcom and Square Enix with it while still staying debt free as they are today and essentially dealing a massive blow to Playstation/Sony. This would also massively increase their revenue and profit.
They could do this all while signing off on an agreement that ensures all pokemon games come to Nintendo even if multiplatform.
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The start of the final week and a new beginning after it.
Who’s next?
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People (myself included) are talking about the next publisher. However, I’d like to see a series of independent studio purchases next. In particular Id like to see a focus on some studios that offer high end graphics and another subset that focuses on unique games. Supergiant, Crystal Dynamics, and IOI would be my top choices.
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S-E-G-A
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Pushing for penetration in the PC market in Europe is the correct move, IMO. The console market in Europe is so unbelievably skewed to Playstation it seems impenetrable. But, if they get a strong foothold in the PC market with PC Game Pass they can use that to upsell/cross-promote Xbox. They were pushing PC Game Pass HARD at Gamescom. I bet they got a shitload of signups for it considering the timing with Starfield release.
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Yeah, honestly even though the FTC and the CMA have effectively “lost” in their opposition to the ABK acquisition I do think they’ve won insomuch as they’ve probably managed to create a chilling effect on large(r) mergers in the Gaming space in the short and medium term. I think you’re correct in thinking Microsoft definitely doesn’t want to do this song and dance again anytime soon. That’s why I think they largest merger they look at would be something like Paradox, and, personally I think if they do continue pursuing acquisitions they’ll focus on individual studios in the near term.
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I hate to say this because I would hate if it happened, but if I was Sony I’d be thinking very, very hard about starting acquisition talks with CDPR. That being said I really don’t think CDPR has any interest in selling outright to anyone right now. Despite issues with the CP77 launch the game still sold insanely well, and TW3 was probably a huge financial success for them as well. I feel like they probably have a large amount of cash on hand, a clear view of their immediate future, and have found critical and commercial success with Phantom Liberty. Despite their stock being down I really don’t feel like they have any reason to sell whatsoever.
My understanding is CDPR is one of the biggest companies in Poland is very important culturally. Things could make it hard for others to acquire them.
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I was thinking what happened with Crytek rumors? Did you Remember them?
Who could forget E3 2021, when Microsoft bought 7 (?!) studios including Crytek, Avalanche Studios, and IO Interactive?
Very memorable event.
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I could be wrong, but I don’t think Sony has the money right now to drop the billions it would take, to buy CDPR.
That being said, I really could see Sony going after Larian. The CEO/President has been very complimentary to Sony and said how well the PlayStation community has embraced BG3.
So I just think he has been putting hints out there or I’m just reading what he has been Tweeting wrongly.
CDPR would cost roughly 4.2 billion for acquisition,Sony could do it but I doubt it, what’s more likely is smaller studios they bring better return on investment. As for Pokemon we seem to be stretching our imaginations to the max, again anything is possible but highly doubtful in my opinion. I feel Xbox more than likely will go for independent studios and do some things with Embracer for some studios and IP. We have to remember Embracer are more than willing to do deals right now and that’s the most important part of acquisitions, willingness to sell. Another publisher to think about is Focus home, don’t sleep on them for 230 million they would get a extremely well run small publisher to slot individual studios under. Essentially another publishing arm that can run itself
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Don’t know about the rumors but Crytek was on the list of targets. Crytek from something DF said seems to have invested in crypto which resulted in a huge loss with the industry going through layoffs they could be a candidate needing help.
The risks listed in their profile were “Audience Overlap with XGS” and “Historical management” (mismanagement).
They made the short list but not the top candidates in 2021. I suspect the rumours were bs (in the sense that they never actually got an offer). But yeah they were contemplated.
I don’t think they got an offer. I thought the list was just for potential candidates not for targets they had approached. Basically, every studio or publisher Xbox has approached has needed some kind of help or was going through problems. I think if Crytek is in such a situation they would be able to approach them. I do think having a mini publisher like Crytek will do wonders for one they would have utilized that 12 tflops and would have had a graphical showcase that would have been like a tech demo for the series console not to mention they come with an amazing engine and were one if not the first to do software raytracing on last Gen consoles. I would certainly love to see the Ryse series pick up.
What do you think about Disney wanting to be part of the gaming industry?
I still dream of Disney being acquired by Microsoft. The synergy between the two companies is excellent. Disney needs Microsoft’s financial resources to continue to grow, and Microsoft could benefit from Disney’s marketing power to sell its products. Xbox Game Studios would continue to develop and become the exclusive developer of the Disney catalog, which would be a strong argument for Xbox. Xbox can’t buy Nintendo, but Microsoft can buy Disney to create a real entertainment empire.
Beyond the dream, I think that Disney + EA + Ubisoft would also be an interesting merger.
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Wait, someone actually said that? Lol.
2018 was an outlier and 2019 with DF made people think these announcements would come every E3…
Yes! dont you remember E3 2021 with Jez doing the shrimp joke and that stuff? It was really funny.
Hope they do it. Will make this generation and the following ones far more interesting.