With Microsoft locking horns in a legal battle with the Federal Trade Commission over its acquisition of Activision Blizzard, legal documents reveal the plans to acquire Bungie, Niantic, SEGA, and a few others to boost the Xbox Game Pass. Over the past three years, there have been numerous companies that Microsoft have looked to acquire and increase their audience. Along with that, the plan also allows them to fill the content gap. Whether any discussions happened between Microsoft and any other companies is still unclear.
Microsoft’s Plan to Acquire Bungie & Sega To Boost Xbox Game Pass
In an email by Xbox chief Phil Spencer to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella & CFO Amy Hood, a request for strategy approval to approach Sega Sammy for a potential acquisition of Sega Gaming Studios was visible (by The Verge). Phil Spencer said in the email, “We believe that Sega has built a well-balanced portfolio of games across segments with global geographic appeal, and will help us accelerate Xbox Game Pass both on and off-console.” Among all the companies that Microsoft considered acquiring to boost Xbox Game Pass, Sega, Niantic, & Bungie (now Sony owned) were the big names.
Destiny developer Bungie was the next big name since Destiny was one of the highest hours generating titles on Game Pass at that time. Along with Audience Expansion, Bungie along with IO Interactive and Scopely served as a means for Engagement & Social Interaction.
The legal battle has also revealed Microsoft’s wish to expand its territory into mobile gaming with Zynga. Although it is unclear whether Microsoft has met with or had any discussions with Bungie, Niantic, SEGA, or any other company regarding the acquisition, their plan to boost Xbox Game Pass seems perfectly clear.
Xbox’s footprint on mobile gaming is a sure shot with King becoming a part of the 69 Billion Dollar acquisition of Activision Blizzard. However, it has raised a few questions, mainly whether they plan to make the Activision titles to be Xbox exclusive. Once more details appear, things will certainly get clear. If you are already an Xbox Game Pass user, you might want to check out the New Games for July 2023.