Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella shared insights on the company's gaming industry strategy in a Bloomberg interview, following the completion of its Activision Blizzard acquisition. Read on to know more.
Xbox Has Better "Chances on Being a Good Publisher" for Other Platforms Following ActiBlizz Acquisition
Game Pass Success and Potential Expansion
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed Microsoft's ambition to be a "good publisher" across various platforms, including Sony, Nintendo, PCs, and Xbox in an interview with Bloomberg. The CEO highlighted the significance of the Activision Blizzard deal, stating that it positions Microsoft to become a notable publisher on rival platforms.
Nadella expressed their excitement over the acquisition's completion and emphasized Microsoft's commitment to being a strong player in the gaming space. The CEO stated:
"We've been at gaming, we love gaming. In fact, Flight Simulator was created before even Windows. But, we were number three, number four. And with Activision, I think we have a chance of being a good publisher, quite frankly, on Sony and Nintendo and PCs and Xbox."
With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, they remain optimistic about their plans going forward. He further added, "We are very excited about that acquisition closing and very glad we've got it through."
Microsoft's leadership underwent significant changes in the last quarter of 2023, marked by organizational adjustments to finalize the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. The organizational strategy was set to reshape the landscape of its gaming sector and solidify Microsoft's presence as a powerhouse in the industry.
Xbox's influence seemed to continue to grow in various regions, with Microsoft appearing to make notable strides in Japan. Former Sony VP Mena Kato joined Microsoft as Director of Partnerships in Japan to expand Xbox in a market traditionally dominated by Sony and Nintendo.
The success of the Game Pass subscription service also contributed to Microsoft's optimistic outlook. Xbox CFO Tim Stuart had hinted at the possibility of Game Pass extending to rival consoles, though Xbox boss Phil Spencer later denied such plans.
Microsoft Not Moving Away From Hardware
Nadella addressed queries about Microsoft potentially moving away from hardware, asserting that there is still room for hardware expansion. He highlighted the company's current hardware ventures, and, with recent innovations made in technology, the Microsoft CEO said it could provide them with new app models.
Nadella stated, "Once you have a new interface and an app model, I think new hardware is also possible." He further added, "We make hardware today, we have surface devices, we make mixed reality devices. The biggest hardware business we happen to have is our cloud. We stream from the cloud. So therefore, I think you’ll see us exercise the full stack of it."
Source:
Microsoft Can Be A “Good Publisher” Across All Platforms, Including Sony And Nintendo, CEO Says
Microsoft: ActiBlizz Acquisition Gives Xbox A Chance To Be A “Good Publisher” On All Platforms
