Xbox boss denies report of Japanese studio acquisition talks Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Xbox boss denies report of Japanese studio acquisition talks "That's not accurate." News by Tom Phillips Deputy Editor Updated on 11 Nov 2020 30 comments Xbox chief Phil Spencer has poured cold water on a recent report which suggested there was evidence Microsoft was seeking to make studio acquisitions in Japan. "Several Japan-based game developers, from small to big, said [Microsoft] had approached them about buying their businesses," Bloomberg [paywall] wrote last week. "They asked not to be identified as the talks were private, and declined to give details on how the discussions went." But when questioned on the report today in a video interview with Gamespot, the boss of Xbox said it was "not accurate". Here's Spencer's full answer: "I don't think so. We're usually not out there... I say I don't think so, I mean, I'm not in every meeting that every team has. I'll say not from me. "Most of the opportunities that we've had to date have been for a long-lasting relationship. So I don't think we're out there with our business cards throwing them out on the corner trying to find people. "I've talked about my affinity for Japanese studios and the thinking back in the day when we had more games in Japan created as part of our first-party. I'm excited when the deal closes to spend more time with Tango [Gameworks] and the work that they're doing. So it's an area I'm interested in, but no, I don't think... That's not accurate." The Tokyo-based Tango Gameworks will become part of the wider Xbox Game Studios family when the deal to buy its parent company Zenimax (owner of Bethesda) goes through next year. Elsewhere, it's interesting to note Spencer's mention of opportunities which have arisen from long-standing relationships. Prior to Microsoft's eventual announcement it would buy Zenimax and Bethesda, reports suggested Bungie was another acquisition candidate. Watch on YouTube Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 10 Latest Articles Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 59 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 3 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store