Microsoft to own Steam? Rumors talk about Valve acquisition, EA and more
When it comes to console gaming, Microsoft is doing pretty well on its own. However, even the company itself agrees that it needs more killer titles for its Xbox One platform, especially with the introduction of the most powerful variant yet the Xbox One X
When compared to Sony or Nintendo, Microsoft is severely lacking in convincing exclusives outside of the usual Gears/Halo/Forza cycle. It seems that Microsoft is reportedly trying to fix that by looking at making big acquisitions to bolster the Xbox first-party line-up. The names being thrown around certainly are big. Polygon cites an anonymous source close to Microsoft in saying that the company is looking at acquiring Electronic Arts.
Other rumors the site’s heard reveal that Microsoft looked at buying Valve, as well as PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds developer Bluehole after the studio’s expolsive success last year. Though this may seem like wild speculation, it’s important to note that these sorts of discussions happen all the time in the industry. Microsoft certainly can afford these ventures, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the only company looking at acquisitions of this scale. That said, Microsoft is more interested than anyone today to build its first-party portfolio, and owning the studios and talent that come with a publisher EA is one surefire way of doing that. The most recent Xbox Game Pass announcement would certainly look a lot better if one of the games had BioWare or DICE’s name on it.
