Will Microsoft buy SEGA? The Japanese company surprises with its response

In recent years, we have witnessed an interesting trend in the gaming industry. Specifically, high-profile companies acquire studios to strengthen their lineup and adopt new strategies for the future. The most significant recent acquisition is Microsoft's purchase of Activision Blizzard, but Sony also opened its wallet and acquired Bungie and other companies.

With this in mind, will SEGA be acquired by Microsoft, Sony, or another company? At the end of the day, it owns major franchises like Like a Dragon, Sonic the Hedgehog, Virtua Fighter, and many more. Amid a wave of speculation, Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi addressed the rumors and surprised with his response.

Microsoft considered buying SEGA, will the acquisition become a reality?

Undoubtedly, the lawsuit between Microsoft and the US Federal Trade Commission regarding the multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard revealed very interesting information. In a document, it was revealed that Xbox was eyeing several companies to strengthen its Xbox Game Pass offering.

According to reports, Microsoft considered buying Bungie, Niantic, and SEGA to enhance the subscription service.

“We believe that SEGA has built a well-balanced portfolio of games across segments with appeal worldwide and will help us accelerate Xbox Game Pass both inside and outside the console,” said Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, in an email in November 2020.

In a recent interview with the news outlet CNBC, Shuji Utsumi, SEGA's Chief Operating Officer, spoke about the possibility of the company being acquired by Microsoft or another company.

Although he stated that there are interested companies and they feel honored, Shuji Utsumi denied that SEGA had any intention of being sold. “I don't think that kind of transaction will happen,” said the Japanese executive.

This is not the first time a company has shown reluctance to be purchased by Microsoft or another company. Capcom, home to Street Fighter, Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and more franchises, rejected an acquisition offer and opted for organic growth.

But tell us, do you think the Japanese company took the right stance? Let us hear from you in the comments.