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Squareenixsegamicrosoftcapcomnamco Mega-Corp!!
In a move of recent mergers in the world of videogames. Sega is looking to merge. It is in negotiations with Namco (makers of games like Pac Man), Sammy (makers of pachinko and vending machines) and.. surprise rumored. Microsoft. Now this rumor has been floating around for the past four years but it is potentially credible now that Sega is openly looking for suiters. A merger with Sega might lead to a reduction in staff developing game software at Microsoft or it might secure the Microsoft digital entertainment division with the talent and software it needs for decades to come. Also Peter Moore the head of Sega USA recently left Sega to go work at Xbox and Microsoft created an OS for the former Sega Dreamcast.
It is a cultural thing but I am not sure that the Japanese company would take well to being run by Redmond. Also the Xbox has had dismal sales in Japan. But Bill Gates is a cult hero to many Japanese businesses. Go figure.
And to make things a bit more sordid, Sega was founded by two American GIs to import and sell American pinball games in Japan after WW2.
I guess a good example of how a Sega/Microsoft merger would work is back when MS purchased the 3d software maker Softimage. They kept the workers in Canada and Softimage kept almost all of it's autonomy. The market share grew and then MS sold the company to Avid.
Microsoft reportedly seeking to buy Sega
Via Seattle Times
Also on a sad note. Capcom has canned 18 games from it's line up and trimmed it's development around 20%. One of the head of the company Shinji Mikami one of the creators of Street Fighter 2 and Resident Evil has stepped down and the company is rumored to be considering yet another merger.
Jake at April 24, 2003 
Games
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Comments
holy crap! What will this mean for microsofts game development? I bet it will mean it will get alot better. To just add a talent pool like that instantly to your company must be really a big shock. Well it isnt final yet but i wonder if it will be soon.
Posted by: pete at April 24, 2003 10:12 AM
We will probably hear official word from Sega in weeks not months. (Ha ha.)
I think Namco is most likely followed by Sammy and Microsoft as a third. I don't think that the Japanese company would take to well to be owned by Redmond.
Posted by: Jake at April 24, 2003 10:18 AM
I was hoping for a merger between Sega and Nintendo, to be honest. Not that I wish ill on Microsoft...well...yeah, I do...
Posted by: Mici at April 24, 2003 11:11 AM
Why do you wish ill on microsoft?
Posted by: pete at April 24, 2003 11:24 AM
Why indeed.
Posted by: Jake at April 24, 2003 11:28 AM
Eh. It's just one of those things. I didn't really have a problem with Microsoft until I started using IBM computers. Then I realize that Microsoft controls everything and if it doesn't control it, it will cause it to crash your computer. Stupid. Then, being the extreme gamer that I am, Microsoft tries to enter into the gaming industry. Poorly. Now, I will admit that the XBOX has produced a few decent games. And yes, I own an XBOX. But I did not buy it. And I would not have bought one. The system has been out a year and a half and there are a total of 4 games that I have bought for the sytem. The rest were given to me. That is a sad state.
Um. Basically, in all that rambling. I am trying to say that I think Microsoft needs to step back and allow others to step up.
Posted by: Mici at April 24, 2003 11:30 AM
Well i prefer competition myself and healthy doses of it bring innovation into this world. like using linux verses windows for example. Personally i think that there are a lot of people out there who just dont like microshaft because they like to see the big guy go down....it is hip to hate microsoft because they represent "corporate america" and the pinnacle of a successful business model. Apple is somehow superior because it is run by an abusive drunk who consistantly runs the company in the wrong directions...(just my opinion). Anyway i think that Windows XP is a super good product and i would say it rivals mac osx as far as stability and ease of use/style etc. Was just wondering why you dont like Microsoft because it seems that every blogger i have ever talked to hates microsoft and is vocal about it. I ask everybody this question out of curiosity.
Posted by: pete at April 24, 2003 1:00 PM
Tell you what Pete. Buy me a beer and open a three hour space in your day planner and I'll tell you what I think and know about Microsoft.
Posted by: Jake at April 24, 2003 1:12 PM
OK Jake meistar i didnt think you drank beer. I have a friend who works at Microsoft and doesnt really like it but he damn sure aint gonna give up his job.
Posted by: pete the insideous robot dancing fool at April 24, 2003 7:06 PM
Also
Thelma thinks that Bill G is a member of the "reptile elite" and skull and bones and the Bilderburgers....who am i to say she is wrong?
Posted by: pete the insideous robot dancing fool at April 24, 2003 7:10 PM
There is a definate class structure at Microsoft. If you are a Blue badge you are treated well. If you are a a lowly permatemp Orange badge contractor you are an indentured servant and if your job can be oursourced overseas it will be. I have some friends who were Orange badges and my stepbrother used to be an Blue badge
Posted by: Jake at April 24, 2003 8:53 PM
