Xbox: 11 Studios Microsoft Might Buy Next
5. Leyou
A video game holding company based in Hong Kong. They're packing a handful of in-house talents like Digital Extremes (Warframe), Splash Damage (Gears Tactics), Radiance Games (Civilisation Online), and more.
Why Likely:
Well, if Microsoft is looking to add larger publishers with a collection of studios into the mix, Leyou has blatantly announced it is looking for a big-name buyer to obtain it.
Microsoft also holds a vested interest in one of their strongest developers, Splash Damage. They've been the go-to studio for the multiplayer component of the Gears of War franchise since 2015. The publisher recently let them develop their own spin-off, Gears Tactics, an RTS series twist that released to critical acclaim.
Why Not:
Well, if Microsoft is interested... they actually might be too late.
Both Sony and Tencent made offers on the company mid-2020, with the latter entering actual negotiations in July. The deal is not yet done though, with things growing silent since.
Microsoft could always dump a truckload of cash onto the bid, but that's only if they wanted to own Splash Damage really, really badly.
Buying Temperature: Cold