Microsoft May be Looking to Acquire Electronic Arts
Microsoft’s investment in first-party game development, or lack of it, has been too frequent of a topic in the gaming community. It stems from the fact that Xbox has seen new IPs either disbanded or cancelled entirely in the midst of production. Microsoft severely lacks internal studios that can produce new franchises, and everyone from gamers to Microsoft knows that well.
Rumor is that the Redmond-based giant might be looking for an acquisition that is sure to come off as unimaginable. Sources close to Microsoft have told Polygon that Microsoft is seeking to acquire publishing giant Electronic Arts. Yes, you heard that correct. The same EA who owns many beloved franchises such as FIFA, Need for Speed, Star Wars, just to name a few. The rumor is backed by SuperData Research CEO Joost can Dreunen who believes Microsoft will “announce something very, very shortly,”. But that is not all, rumors also point to an acquisition of PUBG Corp. and Valve.
It looks like Microsoft took all the criticism a little too seriously. An acquisition, if its indeed the case, will shake up the entire industry. In one swoop Microsoft will have access to numerous franchises, which if they wanted, could make entirely exclusive to Xbox and Windows platforms. But knowing Microsoft’s approach this generation it is unlikely.
The software giant promoted Minecraft boss Matt Booty to Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios earlier this month. Booty’s role is to oversee all first-party operations and allocate resources as he sees fit. The move came after Phil Spencer was promoted to Executive Vice President of Gaming, giving him direct access to CEO Satya Nadella. Microsoft, for the past few months, has been shuffling roles to streamline its gaming operations.
The acquisition of Minecraft studio Mojang at $2.5 billion, back in 2014, is proof enough that Microsoft is willing to spend big cash on properties that they think can be a big asset.
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