The next console war is set to begin this holiday and Microsoft thinks WB Interactive might be the best weapon to add to its arsenal. Halo Infinite is the only exclusive currently listed in the software giants armory. On the other end of the battlefield, Sony already has heavy hitters Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7 aimed at the market.
WB Interactive has many suitors before Bill Gates’s powerhouse even glanced at it. From the likes of Electronic Arts to Blizzard all have considered the AT&T subsidiary but non have put in an offer. Of course, the $4 billion or so price tag may have played a major role in that reluctance. Microsoft however isn’t shy of spending especially when the net effect could be being crowned king.
Battle for Exclusivity
The hefty price tag also starts to look less and less once you consider all the IPs that come along with it. From Harry Potter to Batman as well as LEGO the list has a huge collection of sure-fire winners. Microsoft could easily purchase WB Interactive if they so wish and the offer is accepted. But should they? Of course, they do need more exclusives to go toe to toe with the PS5 but an acquisition like this with really hurt the end consumer.
WB Interactive is an independent studio that produces for both platforms. It created games that anyone can enjoy regardless of their choices in the console. This means a larger reach for games in the market as well as the original IP owners. Having it downscaled to just one with hurt the brand in ways that could lead to an inverse drive of sales.
Fair Play
I always believed that exclusives should be original concepts that eventually become franchises. It fans the flames of creativity and helps build beautiful games. Simply buying a franchise doesn’t always lead to success. Sometimes the new owner messes it up.
Anyway, it’s all speculation at this point. Also WB Interactive will not easily give up control of property like Batman and Harry Potter. These bring in additional sales via merchandise and are huge marketing figures and brand material. Whether Microsoft can woo WB enough only time will tell. Personally I hope this doesn’t happen. We do need more exclusives, but not like this… not like this…
