In a candid conversation with Bloomberg, Capcom’s Chief Operating Officer, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, firmly asserted that the renowned publisher of titles like Street Fighter 6 and Resident Evil 4 is not open to the prospect of being acquired by Microsoft. This declaration comes in response to mounting speculations surrounding potential mergers and acquisitions in the gaming industry involving Capcom.
Capcom’s Organic Growth Approach
When questioned about Capcom’s stance on mergers and acquisitions, Tsujimoto emphasized the company’s dedication to organic growth. He expressed his belief in nurturing and developing in-house talent as a fundamental pillar of their growth strategy. Tsujimoto stated, “It is important to train and develop human resources in-house in order to carry out growth strategies. I also believe we can utilize external partners, but we have no intention of acquiring companies.”
Declining Microsoft’s Offer
Addressing the hypothetical scenario of a buyout offer from Microsoft, Tsujimoto conveyed a resolute stance. He said, “I would gracefully decline the offer because I believe it would be better if we were equal partners.” This assertion underscores Capcom’s commitment to maintaining its autonomy and partnership equity.
Microsoft’s Gaming Ambitions and Past Interests
Recent revelations from Microsoft’s internal documents in the FTC v. Microsoft case have illuminated the company’s expansive vision for the gaming industry. Plans include launching the next Xbox console by 2028, remastering classics like The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Fallout 3, and the development of unannounced games such as a new Doom installment and Dishonored 3. Additionally, there were discussions within Microsoft about acquiring major players like Nintendo and Sega.
Xbox’s Interest in Nintendo and Sega
One email exchange highlighted Xbox’s strong interest in acquiring Nintendo, with Xbox boss Phil Spencer considering Nintendo as “THE prime asset for us in gaming.” While these discussions did not materialize into a deal, they shed light on Microsoft’s ambitious goals in the gaming realm.
Moreover, the emails confirmed Microsoft’s pursuit of Sega. Spencer articulated his belief that Sega possesses a well-balanced portfolio of games with global appeal, which could aid in the expansion of Xbox Game Pass across multiple platforms.
