Satya Nadella: Microsoft will consider buying more video game companies

Microsoft shocked the video game industry with its recent news that it intends to acquire ZeniMax Media, meaning that Bethesda is joining Xbox and adding its games library to Xbox Game Pass, which recently crossed 15 million subscribers. Now, it appears that even with 23 studios as part of Xbox Game Studios, Microsoft may not be done yet.

In an interview with CNET, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says that moving forward Microsoft will consider buying other video game companies, noting that "You can't wake up one day and say, 'Let me build a game studio.'" Executive Vice President of Gaming at Microsoft Phil Spencer added that "Content is just the incredible ingredient to our platform that we continue to invest in."

Back in July 2020, Spencer stated there had been "no signal" from Microsoft to slow down on acquiring studios. Microsoft was reportedly interested in acquiring WB Games, alongside Activision Blizzard, Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive. AT&T later decided not to sell WB Games for the time being.

Regardless of what moves Microsoft makes, mergers and acquisitions will continue to take place across the video game industry. Embracer Group continues to acquire large numbers of studios and IP. Sony, which owns major Xbox competitor PlayStation, was reportedly interested in acquiring Leyou Corporation, the parent company of studios like Splash Damage. Sony was then reportedly outbid by mega-conglomerate Tencent, who are currently in negotiations for Leyou.