pokoko said:
Why would they, though? Right now, they're making something off Bayonetta without lifting a finger. Sega is basically a pimp. |
Because there isn't much else Sega can do with it. They released Bayonetta 1 on PC. They probably cant release it on other systems due to an agreement with Nintendo. They have no plans to do any other merchandising with it. So there isn't much potential for profit for Sega beyond Nintendo using it and them getting licensing fees. If they sold it, they would get cash upfront which they can use now. Bayonetta isn't much of a benefit to them.
I think we'll see Nintendo make some purchases some time this generation. Nintendo has 683 billion yen which comprises 53 percent of total assets. This is also not including another 97 billion in notes receivable and 269 billion in securities. Nintendo has an excess of cash and will likely have massive profits from the Nintendo Switch (especially with revenue from third party software),mobile, the Classic series and other licensing ventures (like Orlando Studios). This came up in an investors meeting actually. (see Q9:https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2017/171101e.pdf). Kimishima didn't give much of an answer beyond why they have a high cash balance. But I wouldn't doubt that Nintendo would consider this down the road as they need better ways to create shareholder returns.
I think buying Platinum is a possibility. Nintendo's relation to them is similar to Monolith before they bought them. Nintendo published Baten Katos in the west when it was Namco's title. They eventually bought out Namco. Nintendo has been Platinum's most consistent publisher. Sega doesn't want anything to do with them and Microsoft burned them on Scalebound. They have relied on making licensed games and stuff with Nintendo. I figure Nintendo may buy them out for 1)Growth 2)Get a developer who can work on Nintendo franchises (things like Star Fox) 3)Sure up Bayonetta (to lock down a mature game) and 4)for name recognition. Platinum may take the buyout to give shareholder return and that they would be assured that Nintendo would let them do their thing.
As far as what I think Nintendo should do, they should consider investing into Western studios. One of Nintendo's weaknesses is their best properties do better in Japan. Splatoon, AC, and Fire Emblem are all stronger in Japan. Outside of the usual suspects, the only game that does really well in the West is Zelda. Nintendo would benefit to bring on western developers and integrate them like they have done with Retro and Rare. Or, at the very least, do something with Nintendo Software Technology.
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