We’re used to seeing big acquisitions in the gaming world now, some of which are exciting, but as their numbers increase, of course, monopolization comes to mind. If there are only two or three big companies in the gaming world and the studios that depend on them, it is necessary to consider the idea that this will not end well in the long run.
One of the heavyweights in the gaming world is Ubisoft. It has a market capitalization of approximately $7 billion, with numerous studios and even more games.
About five years ago, Vivendi made a move to buy Ubisoft. Vivendi began to increase its stake in Ubisoft and reached a 25.15% stake. According to French law, the maximum share a person can hold is 30%, and if this ratio is exceeded, the company will be forced to; they can buy it. That’s how Vivendi wanted to take over Ubisoft. Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, said that at every opportunity they were following Vivendi’s moves with concern and that taking control of the company in this way would cause great harm to Ubisoft, and that they would do their best to protect Ubisoft’s independence.
As a result, Vivendi backtracked on the backlash and decided to sell its Ubisoft stake.
It’s been years since this incident, and it seems Ubisoft’s attitude has softened.
“We always make our decisions in the interest of our stakeholders; These are our players, employees and shareholders. Thus, Ubisoft can remain independent. We have the capability, we have the size sectorally and financially, we have a large and strong portfolio of IPs. But put that aside, if an offer comes in to buy us, the board will of course consider it in favor of all stakeholders,” Guillemot said.
There is no attempt to buy Ubisoft yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. Studios such as Ubisoft, Take-Two, Bandai Namco and Konami will be targeted, especially if the studio acquisition competition between Microsoft and Sony intensifies.
