| RolStoppable said: It was about ten years ago that Microsoft bought the Minecraft IP. Back then I thought the logical plan was to make it exclusive to Xbox. When Microsoft kept porting to more platforms, I thought their endgame was to have the first Minecraft everywhere in order to create much greater demand for an Xbox-exclusive sequel. This didn't happen either. Instead Minecraft itself got more and more updates that were available everywhere, plus spinoffs that went everywhere too. Microsoft's strategy for consoles clearly differs from what Sony and Nintendo would have done with a monster IP like Minecraft, if they had gotten such a hold of it. But I don't think it's so much because Microsoft has a broader vision than console hardware, rather it's because they have opposing forces within the company and that results in no clear direction and the lack of consistence in their decision-making for their gaming department (and the sorry state of their first party output that has lasted for many years). The necessary contracts to even make the A-B acquisition happen secure CoD for at least ten years on PS anyway. Making predictions for two generations ahead is incredibly tough, but right now it's looking unlikely that Microsoft will return to a strategy of selling as many Xboxes as possible. They used to do this and it came at the expense of the PC, but since subscriptions are basically the only thing that made Microsoft consistently money in gaming, they'll stick to that. So once the ten year CoD deal expires, it's improbable that CoD will be taken off PS. At that point it's more probable that Sony will have to suck it up in a deal where Microsoft either can plant their own subscription service on PS or get a cut from Sony's PS+ money. But all this is speculation. It may as well amount to not more than gamers having to use Xbox Live accounts to be able to play CoD online, without having to Microsoft a cent. Sony does not have the money lying around to keep retaliating against Microsoft, so chances are high that Sony won't seek out a grand acquisition in the first place. Nevermind all the hurdles Microsoft already has to take with A-B. So it's not reasonable to fear that this entire affair will spiral out of control where everything gets consolidated, both because of the legality and the money. Nintendo won't acquire any entire publisher anyway. Any player from China, namely Tencent, will be out of luck by virtue of the West tightening things up against Chinese companies in general. So while I do think that China has the money, I doubt that they'll be allowed to buy. My comment about taking sides was a general one. |
Excellent post!
Essay Pro