Nintendo should buy Take-Two

[Aielyn]

So, I just realised that Nintendo has a much more straightforward option available to it.

Rather than buying an entire publisher, just work with the publisher to buy a certain license.

Imagine Nintendo getting together with Take Two, offering to provide the vast majority of the Madden license cost (given that the license is up some time this year), with the understanding that Nintendo consoles then get timed exclusives of titles in the new Madden 2K series of games.

Why does Nintendo need to partner with Take Two? Two reasons - first, the NFL people clearly want their games to be available on as many platforms as possible, which means they're likely to reject Nintendo ownership of the license. Second, Nintendo doesn't have a studio that makes realistic sports simulations akin to Madden.

So, to satisfy everyone, and to encourage more support from Take Two in other game development, Nintendo should partner with them on Madden, and expect a 1-2 month timed exclusive, with game development of the Nintendo platform versions subject to some Nintendo oversight. Sales on Nintendo platforms would have revenue split between the development studio and Nintendo, while other versions would be entirely Take Two's revenue.

That the games would be available first and foremost on Nintendo consoles would attract a much stronger presence, while giving a huge blow to EA.

Nintendo could similarly approach Konami for a Pro Evolution Soccer exclusivity deal. Then they could probably get a PGA license and develop a new golf series in-house, or they could get Camelot Software Planning to make it for Nintendo and Capcom.

Nintendo could basically use this as an opportunity to win big points with a number of other major publishers and punish EA for their decision.