Microsoft considered acquiring Bungie and Sega to bolster Xbox Game Pass, internal emails show

Illustration by Alex Castro / The Verge

Microsoft was looking at acquiring both Bungie and Sega, according to internal documents from the FTC v. Microsoft hearing. In an email seen by The Verge, Xbox chief Phil Spencer wrote to both Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Microsoft CFO Amy Hood, requesting a strategy approval to approach Sega Sammy over a potential acquisition of its Sega gaming studios.

“We believe that Sega has built a well-balanced portfolio of games across segments with global geographic appeal, and will help us accelerate Xbox Game Pass both on and off-console,” said Spencer in the November 2020 email.

Image: Microsoft
Phil Spencer’s email to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood.

Microsoft believed a Sega acquisition would drive…