Rumors about Microsoft acquiring SEGA have been circulating for a long time, with discussions dating back to the early 2000s. However, Chief Operating Officer Shuji Utsumi has finally had enough and put the ongoing rumours to rest, as he denied that SEGA was looking for a buyer and ruled out speculation that Microsoft was open to acquiring it.
Instead, Shuji Utsumi stated that SEGA is focusing on bringing its IP to other platforms. For example, following the success of both Sonic the Hedgehog movies at the box office, SEGA is instead looking towards extending more of its properties to different platforms and reaching more audiences.
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Shuji Utsumi Highlights SEGA’s Intentions to Build and Revive Classic IPs
As mentioned above, SEGA is looking to capitalise on the success of its hit movies Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with a $306.8 million and $405.4 million gross profit by bringing its IP to more consumers. In an interview with CNBC, Shuji Utsumi revealed that they have many other IPs and are planning to revive classical IPs after acquiring Rovio, the creators of the Angry Birds mobile game.
Moreover, Shuji Utsumi hinted that SEGA could adapt the Yakuza and Persona gaming franchise with their 2024 launch of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, Persona 5 X and another Persona game. In his own words, he stated: “As I say, we are trying to be in many different categories, different areas like Roblox, movies. All these IPs can be somewhere else other than games soon.”
It is unsurprising that he hinted at these two franchises in particular, as CNBC reported that the Yakuza game series has sold 21.1 million units since its debut in 2005, while Persona 5, the latest game in the Persona franchise, has also seen considerable success selling over 9 million copies worldwide.
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Shuji Utsumi Feels Honour by Interest of Microsoft and Other Companies
In the interview with CNBC, Shuji Utsumi addressed the rumours of Microsoft purchasing SEGA and feels flattered and honoured by their interest. “Many companies are interested. We feel honored. We have attractive IPs and potential. Companies owned by the owner. A strong owner. I do not think that kind of transaction is going to happen.”
While he states that the company prefer staying independent, he mentions that SEGA enjoys its lovely and healthy working relationship with Microsoft. According to the interview done by Bloomberg in June, Shuji Utsumi stated: “We are very close with Microsoft and have a great relationship with its management team. Microsoft particularly has a high regard for us. Xbox’s Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond are really serious about values that video game fans emphasise.”
Microsoft was not the only company interested in SEGA, as reports suggest that The Redmond, a Washington-based tech giant and Bungie, the studio initially responsible for Halo, were in talks of acquiring SEGA. However, with this confirmation from Shuji Utsumi, it seems their fluctuating fortunes over the year, they are in a stable financial state as Utsumi hinted that SEGA is more likely to buy more companies than sell its own.
SEGA Are More Interested in Buying More Companies Than Selling Its Own
Lastly, Shuji Utsumi stated that SEGA is considering further acquisitions to increase its stake in game studios and indicated the company would not forgo any chances if opportunities in the market arise. “As an entity of SEGA Sammy, we are acquiring some of the companies. We just made an announcement to buy Rovio. We are still looking for opportunities for growth.”
It is not an unusual scene for successful Japanese companies to try to translate the success of its blockbuster entertainment series into other media. For example, Sony, its main Japanese gaming competitor, earned quite a fortune with its Spider-Man movie series, which the company adapted into several top video games.
Besides, he also tailored the current success of Japanese companies to the fall off of European gaming studios as he mentioned they are struggling to recover from the sales slump that followed the COVID-19 pandemic. “Japan studios are doing well. European studios are struggling. I say all European developers are in a difficult time right now. Once, it was a kind of bubble. Now, it is adjustment time.” However, he remained optimistic about the future of European studios. “I think it is going to be coming back. As long as you have solid development studios and also solid IPs.”
Thus, with Shuji Utsumi officially debunking the rumours of Microsoft acquiring SEGA and reiterating their intentions to acquire other companies, we can finally close the myth behind this long-time rumour. For more gaming articles, follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for daily updates of your favourite games.