Xbox considered acquiring Square Enix in 2019, but the proposal ultimately failed. Learn more about the proposal's goals and the reactions of Square Enix's supporters.
Xbox Considered Acquiring Square Enix in 2019
Didn't Push Through With Unsavory Proposal Pitch
A tweet by Stephen Totilo, Editor-in-Chief of Kotaku and author of Axios Gaming Newsletter, recently shed light on an intriguing strategy proposal that emerged in 2019. The proposal suggested that Xbox was considering the acquisition of Square Enix, a prominent game development and publishing company. Although the exact level at which this proposition was discussed remains unclear, it was revealed that Phil Spencer, the CEO of Xbox Gaming, provided feedback on the internal proposal.
In the tweet shared by Totilo, a snippet of the strategy proposal was showcased, highlighting a concerning aspect. The proposal stated that such an acquisition could harm Square Enix's existing transactional gaming business, potentially leading to the cannibalization of a portion of base game sales. This revelation raised concerns among fans, who were relieved that the proposal did not come to fruition.
Fans Have Mixed Feelings With Acquisition Proposal
The fact that Xbox considered acquiring Square Enix, a renowned company known for its iconic franchises such as Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest, has undoubtedly stirred up both excitement and apprehension within the gaming community. While some fans may have envisioned the potential synergies and collaborations between the two entities, others were concerned about the proposal's potential impact on Square Enix's core business model.
Xbox has acquired 17 game studios over the past years, including Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Online Studios, and Ninja Theory.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve and witness significant acquisitions and partnerships, proposals like these offer a glimpse into the strategic considerations and discussions among industry giants. For now, Square Enix remains an independent powerhouse in the gaming landscape, captivating audiences with its imaginative worlds and compelling storytelling.
