So some news. Microsoft announced "Inside Xbox" coming on March 10 which is a monthly Xbox show presumably similar to Nintendo's directs. So if imminent Sega-related news is coming it might be there.
Speculation is running rampant on ResetERA about this Sega and Microsoft thing and everyone still thinks a buy-out is likely. Regarding the realism of that - it's not as absurd as you'd think. Microsoft were recently rumoured to be "considering" buying various super expensive publishing powerhouses like EA and the background to that is that they have a ridiculous cash reserve (~130 billion dollars) that they have to either spend on acquisitions this year or pay-out in dividends. So the speculation is that they're going to make some acquisitions hence why them buying Sega could be a possibility. EA is valued at something like 50 billion dollars and according to Polygon Microsoft were seriously considering it. Sega Sammy is valued at around 4 billion - or even less for just Sega's games division - which would be a comparative bargain and Microsoft have shown interest in Sega before. Granted the Sega of 2002 complete with their games output that Microsoft were interested in is not the Sega of 2018. But the point I'm trying to make is - it's possible.
So Inside Xbox is the next instance we may hear more. Announcements are scheduled for then including news about Microsoft's gamepass service. Guessing more realistically some kind of partnership with Sega? Sega Forever on gamepass? Or perhaps some exclusive games like in the original Xbox days? We'll know soon. Failing that it's E3.
Speculation is running rampant on ResetERA about this Sega and Microsoft thing and everyone still thinks a buy-out is likely. Regarding the realism of that - it's not as absurd as you'd think. Microsoft were recently rumoured to be "considering" buying various super expensive publishing powerhouses like EA and the background to that is that they have a ridiculous cash reserve (~130 billion dollars) that they have to either spend on acquisitions this year or pay-out in dividends. So the speculation is that they're going to make some acquisitions hence why them buying Sega could be a possibility. EA is valued at something like 50 billion dollars and according to Polygon Microsoft were seriously considering it. Sega Sammy is valued at around 4 billion - or even less for just Sega's games division - which would be a comparative bargain and Microsoft have shown interest in Sega before. Granted the Sega of 2002 complete with their games output that Microsoft were interested in is not the Sega of 2018. But the point I'm trying to make is - it's possible.
So Inside Xbox is the next instance we may hear more. Announcements are scheduled for then including news about Microsoft's gamepass service. Guessing more realistically some kind of partnership with Sega? Sega Forever on gamepass? Or perhaps some exclusive games like in the original Xbox days? We'll know soon. Failing that it's E3.
This post has been edited by 360: 07 March 2018 - 01:36 AM