In the ever-evolving landscape of gaming acquisitions, Xbox head Phil Spencer has shed light on some missed opportunities for Microsoft in securing prominent studios. During the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Microsoft’s attempt to acquire Activision Blizzard, Spencer revealed that both Sega and Bungie were once considered high-priority targets for the Xbox brand.
Speaking about Sega, Spencer emphasized the potential value of the company’s vast library of intellectual properties (IPs) for Xbox Game Pass. He highlighted the appeal of incorporating localized content like Persona and Yakuza, which could help attract Asian markets to the subscription service. Despite Sega remaining a target for Xbox in subsequent years, the studio has continued its operations and recently unveiled Persona 5 Tactica, a spin-off from the popular Persona 5 franchise.
In the case of Bungie, Spencer discussed the missed opportunity for a reunion between the studio and Microsoft. Bungie had previously been under Microsoft’s ownership since 2000 and played a pivotal role in the success of the Xbox console line with the iconic shooter franchise, Halo. However, in a surprising turn of events, Bungie was acquired by Sony for approximately $3.6 billion in July 2022. This acquisition brought with it the Destiny series and the recently announced reboot of Marathon.
While these missed opportunities highlight Microsoft’s ambitions to expand its portfolio of studios, they also underscore the competitive nature of the gaming industry. The pursuit of influential studios like Sega and Bungie reflects Microsoft’s commitment to securing strong partnerships and exclusive content for its platforms.
As the legal battle over the Activision Blizzard acquisition continues, the gaming community eagerly awaits the outcome, recognizing the potential impact it could have on the industry as a whole. The acquisition of such a major player in the gaming space would undoubtedly reshape the landscape and further solidify Microsoft’s position in the market.
Regardless of missed opportunities, Microsoft’s focus remains on delivering compelling gaming experiences to its player base. With an extensive lineup of first-party studios, including recent acquisitions like Bethesda, Microsoft continues to strengthen its position and expand its offerings to gamers worldwide.
