Microsoft will consider buying even more studios

Microsoft recently made waves when it purchased ZeniMax Media for $7.5 billion, bringing over half a dozen studios into its first party line-up of developers including Bethesda, id Software, and Arkane Studios. Despite this most recent purchase, it appears that Microsoft may not be done with its acquisition spree.

In an interview with CNET, following Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the tech giant’s CEO Sataya Nadella reportedly claimed that “Microsoft will consider buying even more video game companies in the future.”

This may come as a surprise to some, as with this most recent acquisition, Microsoft now owns 23 first-party studios, which in theory could allow the console manufacturer to release 3-4 new games every year for the typical length of a console generation without repeating studios.

The reason for Microsoft’s continued acquisitions reportedly comes from the idea that “We'll always look for places where there is that commonality of purpose, mission and culture,” with Nadella adding that “We will always look to grow inorganically where it makes sense.”

Since 2018, Microsoft has created/acquired a total of 17 new first-party studios. Sony meanwhile, has only acquired 1: Insomniac Games. While the PlayStation manufacturer previously had Microsoft beat with 13 studios, Microsoft’s recent actions have shifted the balance in the entirely opposite direction.

Of course, quality is always better than quantity, but with Microsoft clearly willing to spend billions on new studios, it appears that Xbox is gunning for both.

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KitGuru says: what do you think of Microsoft’s acquisition spree? Is consolidation a good or bad thing? What studio would you like to see either Sony or Microsoft acquire next? Let us know down below.

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