Published in Gaming

Vole eyes further gaming acquisitions

by on14 November 2024


New devices a few years off

Software King of the World Microsoft’s video-gaming Tsar, Phil Spencer, is still exploring acquisitions and strategies to stay competitive in the handheld game devices and mobile stores market despite a challenging year.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Spencer revealed that deals adding "geographic diversity," particularly in Asia, are under consideration. This comes after Vole's $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard last year.

"We want to be in the market, and when we can find teams and technology and capability that add to what we’re trying to do in gaming at Microsoft, absolutely we will keep our heads up,” Spencer said.

He noted that large deals are not imminent as the company still has to integrate Activision Blizzard employees.

Microsoft aims to diversify its gaming teams by focusing more on China. The company collaborated with Tencent to develop a new mobile version of Age of Empires, released globally in October.

"It’s been a good area for us to learn from creative teams with unique capability,” Spencer said.

Spencer, who admires handheld game devices, indicated that Microsoft is working on prototypes and exploring the market to develop its vision. In the coming months, efforts will focus on improving the Xbox app on existing portable devices and ensuring compatibility with Xbox games.

“Longer term, I love us building devices,” Spencer said. “And I think our team could do some real innovative work, but we want to be informed by learning and what’s happening now.”

The launch of an online store for mobile games has been delayed as further market research is conducted.

 Xbox President Sarah Bond initially announced the store in May, with a release date set for July. Spencer highlighted the challenges in establishing an effective mobile store amid regulatory scrutiny of Apple and Google’s platforms.

Following the acquisition of Activision, Microsoft faced layoffs and studio closures, but Spencer remains optimistic.

“The Xbox business has never been healthier,” he said, citing growth in cloud, PC gaming, and console usage.

Last modified on 14 November 2024
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