Xbox and SEGA have worked closely for years, so Microsoft considered the idea of buying the Japanese company in 2020. Some gamers believe Xbox should not abandon this plan and go after the developer after it completes the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
However, it seems unlikely that SEGA will join Xbox Game Studios, at least in the short term.The reason? Shuji Utsumi, SEGA's co-chief operating officer, assured that they are not for sale and are not open to possible negotiations. He stressed that working with Microsoft and Xbox has been a great experience.
SEGA has no interest in negotiating its possible sale
The executive was questioned about Microsoft and Xbox's interest in acquiring SEGA, information that came to light in hearings with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Utsumi was blunt and stated that they have no interest in any kind of takeover bid.
He added that their relationship with Microsoft has been and still is very good. He highlighted the work of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, directors of Xbox, as he believes they have done a great job in the industry. Despite this, they are not interested in joining Xbox Game Studios.
"We are very close with Microsoft and have a great relationship with its management team. Microsoft particularly has a high regard for us. Xbox’s Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are really serious about values that video game fans emphasise," Utsumi commented.
Documents revealed that Microsoft wanted to acquire SEGA to power Xbox Game Pass and bring major franchises to Xbox without fail. Its approach was to keep the titles as multiplatform releases, but make them Day 1 releases on its services.
Microsoft looked to the studio for its important sagas and for all that it entails in the Asian market, a region where Xbox has struggled for years to grow.
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