Microsoft is a likely bidder for Take-Two takeover - GTA going exclusive?

[mike_intellivision]

A few things to remember.

First, this is analyst speculation.

In my previous article, I threw out Viacom (VIA), as many pundits often cite them as wishing to become a player in the growing video game industry. However, I think that there's a more likely bidder.

I think that Microsoft (MSFT) is a likely bidder for TTWO. Microsoft already makes a video game platform (Xbox and Xbox 360) as well as independently publishes video games.

From the mention of a console that Microsoft abandoned, you can tell the person is just trying to connect the dots. (And we have had discussions before on how analysts just try to guess and make things up).

Second, Microsoft has a mixed history in this area. It has not fully realized the potential from the Rare acquisition and just let Bungie go "independent." So their true desire in this area is unknown.

Third, the entertainment side of things has not been good for the company's bottom line. This acqusition, since it would negatively impact TT's fortunes because it be a first-party developer for 30 percent of the industry (losting up to 70 percent of the console market), would not be a money-maker.

Mike from Morgantown