Xbox: 11 Studios Microsoft Might Buy Next
3. Konami
Legendary Japanese corporation behind Metal Gear Solid, Castlevania, Silent Hill, Contra, and several more. Presently, they have prioritized Pachinko machines, remasters, and quick cash-grabs (e.g. Metal Gear Survive) instead of good games.
Why Likely:
The word on the street is that Konami will be getting out of the gaining industry altogether, with an eye to sell off their landmark IPs to a buyer.
This would be a coup for Microsoft since they've been struggling to establish iconic new franchises since the 360 days. Suddenly they would inherit a shedload of milestone titles exclusively for the Game Pass audience.
Plus, Phil Spencer has been dying to pave roads within the Japanese game industry. These brand names would grab the attention of eastern gamers overnight, converting several to Xbox.
Why Not:
Konami's sellout rumors are intricately linked to Sony actively pursuing the deal in the first place, with them a more natural fit for the IPs. Microsoft would have to outbid their rivals to make serious headway.
Also, it doesn't fit into Microsoft's buying pattern: they wouldn't own Konami as a functional entity, only land their IP and then have to divvy out properties out to their first-party studios.
Buying Temperature: Cold