Obviously, aside from certain regulations regarding monopolies, nothing can be done in the free market to stop Sony or Microsoft from acquiring more studios. However it would be good for the industry if they refrained from anymore acquisitions.
The list of studios shutdown by the two companies after being acquired is ridiculous. Meanwhile, when was the last time anyone can remember hearing about Nintendo closing a studio?
A lot of the times the studios being acquired stated that being part of a major publisher provided more stability. But is that really the case?
In any event, I think Sony's and Microsoft's actions will make it harder for them to buy new studios even if they are willing to spend the cash just because of the track record they developed. If I were a studio they offered to purchase I would put in the contract guarantees of having the chance to at least ship one or two games so they aren't shuttered before even releasing anything or after just one underperforming title. I would also ask for a clause allowing the studio to spin off independently rather than be shutdown.
I think they should be able to buy IP if they want and of course free to form new dev teams.
What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1gWECYYOSo
Please Watch/Share this video so it gets shown in Hollywood.
