SEGA has declared that it intends to maintain its independence. Learn more about the company's cooperation with Microsoft, the basis for the merger speculations, and SEGA's future ambitions with Microsoft.
Microsoft Considered Acquiring SEGA
SEGA Not Interested in Merging
SEGA clarified that it is not presently looking to merge with a different company. The vice president and co-COO of SEGA, Shuji Utsumi, adamantly stated in an interview with Bloomberg that SEGA's management will continue to function internally under SEGA SAMMY.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently revealed in its hearing documents that Microsoft had explored acquiring SEGA to further enhance its popular game streaming service, Xbox Game Pass. The news of this potential acquisition sparked an increase in SEGA Sammy H's stock price, which reached its highest level since February 2007, although only temporarily.
It is important to note that, according to court reports, Microsoft had previously considered buying both Square Enix and SEGA. Due to rising game production costs brought on by technological developments, there had been talk of SEGA joining another organization.
Better Off As Partners Instead
Despite the suggested merger, Microsoft and SEGA are still working together to create a Super Game.
Utsumi declared that the alliance with Microsoft is still solid. Additionally, according to Utsumi, Sara Bond, corporate vice president of games, and Phil Spencer, head of gaming at Microsoft, recognize SEGA's innovative work and dedication to meeting players' needs.
To compete with Sony's PlayStation and Nintendo's Switch in the gaming platform market, Microsoft has been actively fostering its relationships with Japanese game creators. Although Xbox's presence in Japan is still limited, it is growing. A growing number of Japanese game developers are now releasing games on the Xbox, including SEGA's Like A Dragon and Persona series, which were previously PlayStation-only.
Overall, SEGA is steadfast in its determination to carry on as an independent company. Despite this, SEGA's partnership with Microsoft is still solid. It reflects the company's readiness to consider strategic partnerships to support future success and growth.
Source:
Bloomberg Interviews SEGA
Document Notice About SEGA and Microsoft Alliance
