With Microsoft’s huge acquisition of Bethesda shaking up the video game industry, many gamers and insiders alike have wondered what franchiseSonycould possibly purchase in response. Both theFinal FantasyandMetal Gearseries have been thrown around as potential IPs for Sony to acquire, but according to video game analyst Michael Pachter, acquiring either franchise would be a mistake.
Pachter recently spoke to GamingBolt about potential Sony acquisitions, with individual IPs as opposed to entire studios certainly being a possibility. Two of the most discussed franchises have beenMetal Gear SolidandFinal Fantasy, both of which have had a strong relationship with PlayStation platforms in the past. With arumoredMetal Gear Solidremake in developmentfor PS5 as well asFinal Fantasy 16’s timed console exclusivity, both series seem like natural fits for a Sony purchase. According to Pachter, though, that is exactly why they should not be bought out.
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Pachter thinks that the franchises would only sell “a couple million extra units,” as neither franchise is a “system seller” in the US. Pachter states that Sony buying the franchises would sell PS5 consoles in Japan but makes a good point regarding the fact that “the Japanese are not buying Xbox” as is. WithFinal Fantasy 16already being a PS5 timed exclusiveas well, little could be gained with acquiring the IP in Pachter’s opinion. Pachter also states that “Metal Gearwithout Kojima might not be worth very much,” though Sony could easily give the IP back to Hideo Kojima for a new project.
Pachter’s biggest point regarding the acquisition ofMetal Gear SolidorFinal Fantasybeing a bad idea is that “those Japanese games will be on PlayStation anyway.” As the industry analyst states, “Sony isn’t at risk of losing those titles,” and themature-ratedFinal Fantasy 16only being on the PS5 console for a limited time proves that. With Japanese titles always finding the most success on the Sony platform and selling far less copies on Xbox, PlayStation is in no danger of losingFForMetal Geargames. With that in mind, Pachter states that acquiring a more Western property like WB Games’BatmanorMortal Kombatmakes far more business sense for Sony.
Pachter recently discussed the Bethesda acquisition in detail, and with his belief thatgames likeStarfieldcould still come to PS5, perhaps Sony does not need to make any moves at all. Sony could certainly survive without additional acquisitions being made given their already large lineup of first party, AAA studios. While making a move is obviously possible and could benefit the PlayStation 5, many believe that it is equally viable for Sony to acquire no new studios or IPs anytime soon.
Pachter had some harsh words for PlayStation, however, as he claims“Sony blew it” with the PS5 digital editionand its shockingly low price. With the industry insider having both criticism for Sony as well as business suggestions, it will be interesting to see if the company takes his advice going forward.
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