Scoop Up a Bunch of Developers: CDPR, Platinum Games, and More
OK so this list has kind of gone off the rails in terms of sticking to just “five” as we’ve named dropped way more than five. However, rather than trying to broker a mega deal with one of the big dogs of video game publishing filled to the brim with IPs ready to go, Microsoft could instead use its capital to make a number of key purchases.
This list in general is just outlandish, but now that Microsoft seems to finally be acknowledging the problem and realizing that its own first-party studios are not enough to keep up, Microsoft could be inspired to go on a supermarket sweep of developers worth scooping up. Like potato chips, you can’t just have one or two, if Microsoft is going to forgo purchasing a publisher that has built-in IPs out of the box, then they will need to pick up a hefty amount of developers each with one or two major IPs under their control. CD Projekt Red is red hot right now following the success of The Witcher games, and the hype surrounding its next project, Cyberpunk 2077. That’s a company that you could envisioning trying to cash out now while their value is as high as it may ever be.
Platinum Games is another option that adds a developer that is flush with unique ideas, and a willingness to tackle anything that comes their way. Although the whole Scalebound situation was a bit messy, there have been worse problems solved with a truck load of money.
There are a number of options that you could dream up here. The point being, if trying to acquire a major publisher or developer doesn’t work out, if Microsoft is serious about patching up its exclusivity problem, expect this to be a route it chooses to go in.
What would be your dream scenario or what do you think is the best fit? Let us know in the comments below.
