Sony is reportedly planning to bolster its PlayStation division further by acquiring more studios.Sony has been an on acquisition spree over the past two years, and it is seemingly looking for more studios to boost its position in the global gaming market.
There has been a visible move towards consolidation in the video game industry considering the high-profile acquisitions that were completed recently. For instance, Microsoft acquired ZeniMax and a number of other studios, withSony following suit by acquiring 5 studios in 2021alone. However, the Japanese tech giant’s most significant acquisition came in 2022 when Sony acquiredDestiny 2and formerHalodeveloper Bungie for $3.6 billion. Now the conglomerate is looking to reinforce its position globally by allocating more funds for more such acquisitions.
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As reported by The Financial Times,Sonyis considering a “partial spin-off” for its financial services business to focus on its entertainment and image sensor offerings. For those unaware, a partial spin-off is where the parent company decides to publicly list a subsidiary, but retains a minor stake in it, usually to raise more capital. Sony President Hiroki Totoki addressed this at a news conference and said, “In order to expand our growth over the medium to longer term, we will need the ability to invest in image sensors and the entertainment business at a completely new level.”
Many believe that Sony is doing this to compete against Microsoft, who has also doubled down on acquisitions over the last two years. WhileSony has been vocal in its stance against the proposed Microsoft-Activisionacquisition due to fear over the future ofCall of Dutyon PlayStation, it looks to be adopting a different strategy now. Gamers also believe that this pivot comes due to the recent regulatory approvals Microsoft has received, which probably got Sony thinking about its next step to deal with the global competition. It is now looking to strengthen its position financially to be able to make investments in its key growth areas.
Sony has also been making a transmedia push with its IPs, with theUnchartedmovie and HBO’sThe Last of UsTV show seeing immense success. It has already started work withAmazon on aGod of Warshow, aGran Turismomovie is nearing release, and Netflix is working on aHorizonTV show as well. With more funds for expansion, Sony will look to continue its transmedia push, and will possibly double down on adaptations for its other IPs.
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