Microsoft eyes potential mobile studio acquisition
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Microsoft is considering acquiring another mobile games studio following its purchase of Candy Crush Saga maker King as part of the $69 billion deal for Activision Blizzard.
Speaking to Bloomberg, the tech giant’s games division CEO Phil Spencer said it was interested in deals that add “geographic diversity”, such as those based in Asia markets.
He added, however, that nothing was “imminent” and any large acquisitions would have to wait while it consolidates the teams at Activision Blizzard. The firm also has its eye on further partnerships with Chinese developers and publishers following the launch of Age of Empires on mobile.
“We definitely want to be in the market, and when we can find teams and technology and capability that add to what we’re trying to do in gaming at Microsoft, absolutely we will keep our heads up,” said Spencer.
He added: “To reach new players, we need to be creative and adaptive of new business models, new devices, new ways of access. We’re not going to grow the market with $1,000 consoles.”
Making more of mobile
The Microsoft Gaming boss also discussed the company’s delayed Xbox marketplace for mobile games. The store was originally announced in May but it missed its July launch date and few details have emerged since.
The report noted the firm is still engaging with mobile developers and its own internal teams, while also keeping an eye on the regulatory landscape for the App Store and Google Play.
“So a web store would mean somebody doesn’t have to go into the app store to try to install something, but you still have to have a way to find the store,” said Spencer. “If we’re just hoping, like, if we build it, they will come, I’m going to bet that doesn’t work.”
